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Active Bystander training for employees of Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council and Bass Coast Health

Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, and Bass Coast Health are partnering to train their employees as Active Bystanders to address family violence in Bass Coast, where incidents are high.

By news@gippsland - 5th May 2023 - Back to News

Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council and Bass Coast Health are reviving their partnership approach to training their employees as Active Bystanders. Cr Michael Whelan, Mayor of Bass Coast Shire Council, recently attended the training and came away invigorated and with some everyday tools to make a difference in the prevention of violence against women and children.

Staff from Bass Coast Shire Council, Westernport Water and Mayor Michael Whelan all attended Active Bystander Training recently

Understood, motivated, activated

Cr Whelan said, "I was moved by the willingness and courage of our people to share examples of their experiences of attitudes and behaviours that we know to be the undercurrent of family violence. I was also very heartened and inspired by the training."

"Participants, our employees who are also leaders in our Bass Coast community, had a spring in their step to want to make change happen. With over 1,000 employees in the four workplaces, we can create a momentum towards a more respectful community," he said.

Violence, respect and action

Bass Coast has the 16th highest number of incidents of family violence in Victoria in 2022. We all deserve to be treated with respect and care. However, sexist attitudes still exist. It can look like throw away comments, unkind remarks, or disrespectful jokes. It can happen anywhere, from family BBQs to boardrooms or sporting events.

It can feel uncomfortable or overwhelming to do something about it, especially when the person displaying this behaviour is in a position of power, doesn't see things from your perspective, or disregards people's wellbeing. You can take it one step at a time. There are many ways that you can start to create change.

By learning how to be an Active Bystander, you can safely and effectively challenge sexist attitudes in your personal and professional life. Learn how to stand up and take care of others in different ways. Explore simple and effective steps you can take to increase your confidence and speak up. Walk away feeling like you can take action that aligns with your values.

Recognising impact of violence

The four employers acknowledge the prevalence and impact of violence against women in the community and view this violence as a serious human rights abuse. Collectively, they recognise the wide-ranging and damaging impact it has on the lives of those affected and, on the community at large.

Not all women experience the impacts of gender inequality or violence in the same way. Women who experience other forms of discrimination, such as ableism, colonialism, racism, and homophobia, can experience violence more frequently and more severely.

Fortunately, violence against women is preventable. Change the story, a national framework for the prevention of violence against women, provides evidence of the drivers of violence against women and the essential actions to prevent it. Promoting gender equality is the foundation for this prevention work. Alongside this, we need to address intersecting forms of discrimination, such as colonialism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, racism and ageism.

Ending violence together

Women have a right to live free from violence. Preventing violence against women is everyone's business and requires commitment from all levels of government, different sectors, and members of the community. As the four biggest employers in Bass Coast, we are uniquely placed to prevent violence against women. We play an important role in enhancing the health, wellbeing, connectedness, and safety of every resident in our community.

We can promote gender equality and prevent violence against women through our policies, culture, processes, services, and partnerships. All Australian workplaces can commit to ensuring that women feel safe, valued, and respected when they go to work.

Quote from participant

Why did you choose to attend Active Bystander Training and what did you get out of it? "I chose to attend today's Active Bystander training because I wanted to revisit my knowledge and skills in what it means to be an active bystander."

"What I got out of the session today was the confidence and skills to respond to situations that might have normally left me uncertain on how to find my voice to intervene. It was great to learn these skills with my colleagues and others from the community to share experiences, learnings and how we can all be active in creating a community that is free from violence and has achieved gender equality," the participant said.

Supporter, learn and advocate

Mayor Cr Michael Whelan shares his pride in Bass Coast Shire Council being a leader in equality in the workforce. "I am a strong supporter and am proud of our efforts in that regard. I attended the training not only to learn how council can help improve our community's performance when it comes to violence against women, but to learn how I can improve my own behaviours in supporting women achieve their goals in a safe and supportive environment."

Aydan Walker, an Active Bystander facilitator from Westernport Water said, "After completing the training 5 years ago, I was shocked to see the statistics around domestic violence in Australia and particularly in our Bass Coast community. I wanted to do something to help change the culture of harmful and abusive behaviour towards women in our community." Mr Walker said.

Support and assistance

When it comes to preventing violence against women, gender equality is at the heart of the solution. Positive, equal, and respectful relationships between women and men, girls and boys can be promoted and normalised everywhere we live, learn, work, socialise and play. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, please call:

• The Orange Door in Inner Gippsland on 1800 319 354
• Safe Steps on 1800 015 188
• 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
• In an emergency, call 000

Promoting a clear message of zero tolerance towards all types of violence against women and girls, as well as in educating victims about their rights and available support services, is raising awareness.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com