Coliban Water was the first Victorian water corporation to join the growing list of organisations achieving White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation to support the movement in a future free from violence and abuse.
Executive General Manager Strategy and Governance Roslyn Wai said it was the importance of leadership in the prevention of men’s violence against women that saw the organisation put a focus on family violence.
“Given the impact of family violence on so many people it’s important we all play a part in prevention and support,” Ms Wai said.
“Coliban Water’s focus is on making sure we have genuine and appropriate support in place for our customers, that we provide a safe and supportive workplace, and that we refer people to the right places for support.
“There is considerable evidence, highlighted through Royal Commission into Family Violence (Victoria), of economic abuse where utility bills are used as a form of control.
“We encourage our customers to look at the Family Violence Support information on our website, and if they feel safe to call us,” said Ms Wai.
“We have spent more than two years developing our programs, and we are now sharing our learning with other organisations as part of our commitment to a community free from violence and abuse.”
Visitors to Coliban Water’s office in Bridge Street, Bendigo, and passers-by will see large banners on the office building as part of the organisation’s pledge.
For further information see our Family Violence Support page on www.coliban.com.au
A few statistics from White Ribbon Australia’s website:
• On average at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner in Australia.
• One in four Australian women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
• Women are five times more likely than men to require medical attention or hospitalisation as a result of intimate partner violence, and five times more likely to report fearing for their lives.