By Aneeka Simonis
TWO of the region’s biggest employers have undertaken extensive staff training and policy change to be recognised as among the nation’s few actively working to stop violence against women.
Both Outlook – which works with disabled clients – and Cardinia Shire Council are among 78 organisations in Australia to have undergone months of work to gain White Ribbon Workplace accreditation, making each a safe and equitable space for women.
Former CEO of Outlook Tony Fitzgerald said they had a zero tolerance attitude toward workers who violated the rights of clients – particularly women who received help in the home.
White Ribbon Australia recognised Outlook’s hard-line policy approach to this type of predatory behaviour as one of the most comprehensive nationwide.
It includes provisions to link predators in with support services after they are dismissed.
Council also announced its accreditation on Friday 25 November – White Ribbon Day – soon after hundreds of residents walked the streets of Pakenham in a display of solidarity towards the fight against domestic abuse.
Cardinia Shire has the second highest rate of reported family violence incidents in the Southern Metropolitan Region, with an average of four serious incidents occurring per day.
Up to 77 per cent of these incidents are against women and nearly half of the time there are children involved.
Council staff underwent 18 months of education and training in the lead-up to the announcement, and significant work was done to improve workplace policies to align with the equity focused values of White Ribbon.
Staff are now equipped to identify the many forms of family violence, how to seek assistance if they are either using violence or are the target of it, and how best to support someone in need
Cardinia Shire Council CEO Garry McQuillan spoke at Council’s White Ribbon Day afternoon tea, noting the importance of always demonstrating respect for others.
“At council, we acknowledge that we are all equally responsible in demonstrating respectful relationships in our homes and in wider society.
“To prevent and end family violence in Cardinia Shire, we must encourage all men and women in our community to build more healthy and respectful relationships,” Mr McQuillan said.
White Ribbon ambassador and Member for Bass Brian Paynter was extensively involved in the entire campaign day, and joined both organisations as they made their accreditation announcement.
Mr Paynter co-chairs the White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation Program with Dandenong MP Gabrielle Williams, and was responsible for the state’s government’s decision to undertake the accreditation process.
Mr Paynter said government will undergo training and policy change to bring them into line with the White Ribbon workplace standards, and estimates accreditation will be achieved within 12 months.
He’s called for all members of parliament to make an oath not to inflict violence on women and children.
“I’m really interested to see what other members of parliament’s attitudes towards it are like. I hope all take it on board and endorse the accreditation,” Mr Paynter said.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, family or domestic violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call triple-zero.
