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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    White Ribbon Accreditation

    Creating a culture of safety and respect

    Our culture is one of zero tolerance of violence against women, and we work to provide a safe and respectful place in which women can excel as professional public sector employees.

    We recognise that violence against women is grounded in gender inequity. As a workplace, we play a critical role in creating the necessary cultural change to stop violence against women, both inside and outside the workplace.

    Through policies, practice, and promotion of the issue, we support women’s equal and equitable participation in the workforce, respectful relationships in the workplace, and the breaking down of harmful stereotypes about men’s and women’s roles at work and in society.

    In 2021, we proudly received our White Ribbon re-accreditation, and are currently working towards further reaccreditation in 2024.

    Recognising violence against women

    All forms of violence – in homes, communities, and workplaces – are unacceptable, regardless of gender.

    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
    • psychological abuse
    • spiritual abuse
    • technology-facilitated abuse
    • harassment, stalking, intimidation, coercion, kidnapping or deprivation of liberty

    It is important to acknowledge that often the fear generated by the perpetrator that has been instilled into the individual may continue to impact this individual for extended periods of time. Similarly, the abuse and harassment may continue for a substantial amount of time, even years, after a relationship has ended.

    The prevalence of domestic violence in Australia is alarming with one in six women experiencing stalking since the age of 15.

    Almost 40% of women continuing to experience violence from their partner while temporarily separated.

    The prevalence of domestic violence in Australia is alarming:

    1 woman
    per week is murdered by her current or former partner, on average
    1 in 4 women
    have experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner since the age of 15
    1 in 5 women
    have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15.
    85% of Australian women
    have been sexually harassed.

    Support and assistance

    Domestic and family violence is a workplace issue and can impact a person’s safety, wellbeing, attendance, and performance at work. We seek to ensure that everyone has access to the right support and assistance if they are experiencing domestic or family violence.

    If you are ever the victim of domestic or family violence and require urgent assistance, you can contact the South Australian Domestic Violence Crisis Line on 1800 800 098 (anytime).

    For more information about what services and support exist, visit www.1800respect.org.au or download the app, Daisy, which connects women around Australia to services that can assist them in dealing with a domestic or family violence situation.

    White Ribbon Australia
    1800 Respect

    Further information about the primary prevention of violence against women can be found at

    Our Watch
    Office for Women (SA)