Northern Beaches Council in Sydney has become a White Ribbon Accredited Workplace to actively support the campaign to prevent men’s violence against women.
Acting Chief Executive Ben Taylor said violence against women is a significant national issue.
“One in three women experience physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them and one in five women experience harassment within the workplace,” Mr Taylor said.
“It will take a community-wide response to turn these statistics around and local government can play a positive role.”
The Workplace Accreditation Program supports workplaces to adapt organisational culture, policies and procedures, equipping staff with the knowledge and skills to address the issue of violence against women, both within the workplace and broader community.
“Northern Beaches Council is proud to be joining some 200 other Australian organisations and just nine other councils nationally as a White Ribbon Workplace,” Mr Taylor said.
“By becoming a White Ribbon Accredited Workplace, Northern Beaches will commit to creating and maintaining a strong culture of respect and a zero tolerance for violence of any kind.
“Our ultimate goal is to contribute to an Australian society in which all women – including women in the workplace – can live in safety, free from violence and abuse.”
Accreditation lasts for three years, evidencing an ongoing, sustainable commitment to the prevention of violence against women.
