Breaking the silence

This innovative program provides specialised training to approximately 1000 disability workers and 600 mental health workers. The aim is to equip these professionals with best-practice responses to gendered violence and sexual harassment, improving their ability to create safer workplace environments.

Training and resources are designed in collaboration with an expert workforce steering committee. The Australian National University's Global Institute of Women's Leadership and the University of Sydney will evaluate all training content and workplace policies. This academic scrutiny helps refine the approach, ensuring the resources are grounded in the latest research and best practice.

Project deliverables

• Develop and deliver gendered violence prevention training including active bystander, disclosure and trauma informed awareness for frontline healthcare employers and workers. The training is peer-reviewed and delivered to workforces and management tiers within the mental health and disability sector.
• Implement comprehensive policies to create safer workplaces.
• Develop a best practice framework and protocols for employers to prevent and respond when work-related gendered violence (including sexual harassment) occurs. This includes when a patient is the perpetrator.
• Develop visual symbols to acknowledge workplace champions who are trained to prevent work-related gendered violence.
• Share literature review findings and resources through union networks including labour councils, employers and other industry bodies, and at dedicated sector events.