White Ribbon Accreditation

Our culture is one of zero tolerance of violence against women, and we work to provide a safe and respectful place in which women can excel as professional public sector employees.

We recognise that violence against women is grounded in gender inequality. As a workplace, we play a critical role in creating the necessary cultural change to stop violence against women, both inside and outside the workplace.

Through participation in the Workplace Equality and Respect Project, we promote women’s equal participation in the workforce, respectful relationships in the workplace, and the breaking down of harmful stereotypes about men’s and women’s roles at work and in society.

In 2021, we have proudly received our White Ribbon re-accreditation.

Recognising violence against women

All forms of violence – in homes, communities and workplaces – are unacceptable, regardless of gender.

Although violence against women is often thought of in terms of physical assault and sexual abuse, it includes other forms of physical and psychological abuse, such as:

• verbal abuse
• emotional abuse
• social abuse
• spiritual abuse
• economic abuse
• psychological abuse
• spiritual abuse
• technology-facilitated abuse
• harassment, stalking, intimidation, coercion, kidnapping or deprivation of liberty.

It is important to acknowledge that often the fear generated by the perpetrator that has been instilled into the individual may continue to impact this individual for extended periods of time. Similarly, the abuse and harassment may continue for a substantial amount of time, even years.

The prevalence of domestic violence in Australia is alarming:

• On average, one woman a week is murdered by her current or former partner.
• One in four women have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15.
• One in five women have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
• A reported 85% of Australian women have been sexually harassed.
• Almost 40% of women continued to experience violence from their partner while temporarily separated.
• One in six women have experienced stalking since the age of 15.

Source: White Ribbon Australia

Support and assistance

Domestic and family violence is a workplace issue and can impact a person’s safety, wellbeing, attendance and performance at work. We seek to ensure that everyone has access to the right support and assistance if they are experiencing domestic or family violence.

If you are ever the victim of domestic or family violence and require urgent assistance, you can contact the South Australian Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098 (anytime).

For more information about what services and support exist, visit www.1800respect.org.au or download the app, Daisy, which connects women around Australia to services that can assist them in dealing with a domestic or family violence situation.