Taking a stand against domestic violence
Aged care provider Southern Cross Care (Vic) is taking a stand against domestic violence, with employees wearing white to work to show their support for White Ribbon Day.
Southern Cross Care (Vic) has predominantly female employees, who account for 88 per cent of its total workforce.
Southern Cross Care has a largely female workforce and the organisation is committed to take a stand against domestic violence against women, says its chief executive officer, Jan Horsnell.
“At Southern Cross Care, we want to send a strong message that we do not condone any forms of violence against women, be it at work or at home.
“This goes against our values, and our philosophy of ‘Valuing Every Person’ where we are committed to treating each and every person with the respect and compassion that they deserve.
“We want to raise awareness that domestic violence against women is totally unacceptable. From statistics released by White Ribbon Australia, it is appalling to know that one in five women experience harassment within the workplace, and one in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them,” Ms Horsnell continues.
By creating greater awareness among staff and equipping them with a better understanding of the issue, the organisation hopes to empower its staff members to make informed decisions and to act accordingly when they see violence occur.
Ms Horsnell says: “We encourage all staff and volunteers to become advocates. Stand up and speak out to stop the violence against women. Every voice counts”
As part of ‘Wear White to Work Day’, held on Wednesday 25 November, merchandise such as white wristbands and pins will be available for sale at all Southern Cross Care (Vic) locations across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria, with proceeds from the sales going to White Ribbon Australia.
Southern Cross Care is currently taking steps to be accredited into the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program and is hosting an event on 7 December to promote its commitment to the White Ribbon campaign and to encourage others to follow its lead.
