White Ribbon

Achieving White Ribbon Accreditation

In 2014, the former Premier announced a whole-of-government response to the findings of the State Coroner’s investigation into a tragic domestic violence case that resulted in the murder of a South Australian woman.
The public sector embarked on a collaborative partnership with White Ribbon Australia to prevent and respond to violence against women in the workplace.

As a department we:

  • selected male leaders to drive initiatives that supported gender equality
  • allocated resources to improving safety and identifying risks in the workplace
  • developed communication strategies to promote the White Ribbon program and encourage staff participation
  • trained employees in violence prevention and responding to disclosures
  • reviewed workplace policies and procedures that support victims of domestic violence.

In June 2016, White Ribbon Australia recognised the Department for Correctional Services, together with 10 other South Australian government agencies, as a White Ribbon Accredited workplace. In 2021, the Department was successfully re-accredited as a White Ribbon Australia Workplace. The Department is committed to address issues of gendered violence and sexual harassment against women.

We were one of only two South Australian government departments in the March 2015 cohort to receive an ‘outstanding’ achievement.

However, our White Ribbon Accreditation is not the end of our journey.

We are now working on an operational plan to ensure that we continue to promote a culture of zero tolerance towards violence against women, and provide a safe and respectful place in which women can excel as professional public sector employees.

Taking a Stand, Responding to Domestic Violence policy

What is violence against women?

In Australia, one in six women has experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a current or former partner.

Violence against women results in:

  • one woman being killed on average each week by a partner or former partner
  • intimate partner violence being the leading contributor to death, disability and ill-health in women aged 15-44
  • an estimated cost of $14.4 billion to the Australian economy each year

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

Support and assistance

If you are ever the victim of domestic or family violence and you require urgent assistance, you can contact the Domestic Violence Gateway on 1800 800 098, or 1300 782 200.

For more information about services and support – visit 1800respect
You can also download their app, Daisy, which connects women around Australia to services that can assist them in dealing with a domestic or family violence situation.

    Documents

  • Download: Domestic Violence Workplace Policy (473.7 KB PDF)
  • Download: DCS GER Statement June 2020 (221.5 KB PDF)