We are committed to preventing men’s violence against women, and we’re proud to be a White Ribbon accredited workplace.
We have zero tolerance for violence against women, and ensure a safe, respectful environment where women can thrive at work.
Men’s violence against women is based in gender inequality. As a workplace, we have a responsibility to drive the cultural change needed to stop violence against women – inside and outside of work.
We champion equal participation of women in the workforce, we require respectful relationships in our workplace, and challenge harmful stereotypes about men’s and women’s roles at work and in daily life.
The Department for Housing and Urban Development is proud to be recognised as a White Ribbon accredited Workplace and is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all our employees and visitors.
I recognise that we all have an active role to play as allies in creating a community and workplace in which everyone can feel supported and thrive. Violence occurs in various forms including physical, emotional, social, financial and verbal. Sadly, one in three Australian women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them.
We have zero tolerance for gender inequality and violence against women. We have a range of mechanisms in place to help raise awareness of the issues surrounding violence against women, build capability to combat the effects, and provide support. Don’t tolerate inappropriate behaviour, stand up and speak out.
- David Reynolds, Chief Executive, Department for Housing and Urban Development
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.
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.
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.