Major Bass Coast employers say no to violence against women

Three of the largest Bass Coast employers teamed up last week to raise awareness about the prevention of men’s violence against women at a White Ribbon event held in Newhaven.

Bass Coast Shire Council, Westernport Water and Phillip Island Nature Parks understand their responsibility in stopping men’s violence against women.

Peter Quigley, Managing Director Westernport Water opened the event, outlining an alarming statistic.

“On average, one woman is killed every week in Australia as a result of domestic violence. This has got to stop.”

Along with Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature Parks received their White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation in 2016. The accreditation program recognises workplaces that are taking active steps to stop violence against women.

CEO Catherine Basterfield outlined the organisation’s journey in becoming White Ribbon accredited.

“Post-accreditation, Nature Parks is now endeavouring to “walk the talk” and lead the way in raising awareness, ultimately eradicating men’s violence against women.”

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO, Paul Buckley explained Council’s commitment to the White Ribbon campaign.

“Council has over 400 employees and 58 per cent are women.”

“We understand Council’s influential and powerful role in creating a violence-free community by modelling non-violent, equitable and respectiful gender relations in the workforce”.

White Ribbon Day, which is officially on 25 November is an internationally recognised day of action, and calls upon all Australians to stand up, speak out and act to stop men’s violence against women. It also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism, a United Nations campaign to end gender-based violence.

If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for advice or support.

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