Fair Work Ombudsman a White Ribbon Workplace
25 November 2013
The Fair Work Ombudsman has become a White Ribbon Workplace after
establishing policies for operating at best practice when it comes to preventing
and responding to violence against women.
In the lead up to White Ribbon Day today, the workplace regulator undertook a
12-month accreditation process with White Ribbon and successfully met standards
that demonstrate zero tolerance to violence against women inside and outside the
workplace.
White Ribbon is the world's largest male-led movement to stop violence
against women. White Ribbon seeks to change the attitudes and behaviours that
lead to and perpetuate violence against women through prevention initiatives and
an annual campaign, beginning on White Ribbon Day.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is one of the first Australian employers to become a
White Ribbon Workplace in a new national pilot, having successfully implemented
policies and practices to help drive positive change when it comes to attitudes
that lead to violence towards women.
The agency's culture, policies and procedures, communication and training
strategies and leadership on the issue of domestic violence were extensively
assessed as part of the accreditation program and found to be best practice.
Fair Work Ombudsman Group Manager, Mark Scully, said all employers can play a
role in helping to prevent domestic violence and assisting employees who are
affected by it.
"Violence against women is completely unacceptable but sadly it still occurs.
Employers can make a difference by promoting a culture of zero tolerance in
their workplaces and by responding to incidents and offering support to
employees affected by domestic violence," said Mr Scully, who is a White Ribbon
Ambassador.
"Finding this support at work might be exactly what an employee affected by
domestic violence needs and will help to retain employees who might otherwise
leave the workplace because of their private circumstances.
"Violence and threats of violence can have a devastating effect on
individuals and often also impacts on an employee’s health, safety and ability
to do their work, whether it's being experienced in a person’s private or
professional life.
"I am a strong advocate of White Ribbon Day and proud of the Fair Work
Ombudsman's accreditation as a White Ribbon Workplace. I encourage all employers
to consider supporting the White Ribbon cause."
Employers and employees seeking information and
advice about workplace laws should visit www.fairwork.gov.au or call the Fair Work
Infoline on 13 13 94. A free interpreter service is available
on 13 14 50.
For information about White Ribbon, visit www.whiteribbon.org.au
.
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