GRAMPIANS Community Health has become one of 14 organisations Australia-wide to be awarded White Ribbon Workplace (WRW) Accreditation.
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The WRW program recognises workplaces which are taking active steps to prevent and respond to violence against women.
It is an award-winning initiative which is complimentary to women’s empowerment initiatives and strengthens the organisation’s stance in relation to anti-bullying legislation.
WRW Coordinator, Corrina Graham said workplaces can make a significant contribution to stopping violence against women.
“As an organisation we are committed to ensuring the safety and appropriate response to our employees,” Ms Graham said.
“The organisation has made many changes to policies and procedures, and developed a training module to deliver to all staff”.
Importantly, GCH now has a trained worker to deliver Bystander Training. This training is based on the fact that all witnesses or bystanders are potential leaders who can be empowered to stand up in a violent situation.
The aim is that employees will absorb the training provided through the Program and take the conversation home to their families and wider community.
The social impact produced by White Ribbon Workplaces therefore is real and far reaching, and the opportunity for true culture change is substantial.
This is the first group of Australian workplaces, outside of the pilot program, to be officially recognised as taking active steps to prevent and respond to men’s violence against women, which is a significant boost to Grampians Community health.
Branding as a White Ribbon Accredited Workplace is exclusively available to organisations who have supplied and documented evidence against White Ribbon Australia’s Workplace Accreditation Framework.
Chief Executive of White Ribbon Australia, Libby Davies, said accreditation lasts for three years, evidencing an ongoing, sustainable commitment from these workplaces, to the prevention of men’s violence against women.
“Over the past 18 months, these organisations have dedicated time and resources to review and enhance their HR policies and procedures, the way in which they communicate with staff and have delivered training on what it means to work in a safe and respectful workplace,” she said.
“The diversity of organisations we are accrediting today, from the public and private sectors, from small to large employers, all recognise that ending men’s violence against women is absolutely a workplace issue.”
If any workplaces are interested in more information they can contact Ms Graham at Grampians Community Health or visit the WRW website at www.whiteribbon.org.au/workplaces.
If community groups are interested in the Bystander Training, contact Corrina Graham on 5358 7400.
If you are experiencing violence or suspect someone else is, please contact 1800 RESPECT or Grampians Community Health on 5358 7400 for advice and support.
In an emergency, call the police on 000.