Workplaces as a setting for primary prevention violence against women

Change the Story: A national framework for primary prevention

Actions to prevent violence against women must: Promote and normalise gender equality in public and private life Mutually reinforcing actions: Through -Legislation -Institutional, policy and program responses By -Governments, organisations and individuals In -Settings: live, work, learn and socialise Tailored -To context and needs of different groups -The Health services as workplace is a really important setting for 2 reasons: -Interface with the community -Large workforce

In a recent VicHealth study: 98% of respondents expect employers to ensure that women are provided with the same opportunities as men. 94% of respondents agreed that employers should take a leadership role in educating their workforce about respectful relationships between men and women. The workplace as a key setting for prevention

Employers have a legal responsibility to create safe work environments 1 in 3 Australian women reported experiencing sexual harassment in their lifetime (Australia Human Rights Commission) Studies have found that: o Over 60 % of women report experiencing some form of violence at work. o 75 % of women report experiencing unwanted or unwelcome sexual behaviour at work. The workplace as a key setting for prevention

Annual cost of violence against women to the Australian economy $1.3 billion $1.3 billion $ 21.7 billion $ 21.7 billion $7.8 billion $7.8 billion $1.5 billion $1.5 billion $6.7 billion $6.7 billion The workplace as a key setting for prevention

Workplaces are an influential part of our lives and our communities. o People invest time and energy at work and these settings can either be helpful or a hindrance to broader social change. o Organisations, not just individuals, can be either passive or pro-social bystanders to violence against women.

Change the Story

For more information contact : Website: Facebook: preventviolenceaustralia