White Ribbon.

In April 2018 The Department of Education Tasmania (DoE) achieved White Ribbon Accreditation.  The accreditation recognised the work of DoE to address the causes of violence against women, including through Respectful Relationships education resources; providing support to those affected by family violence; and promoting gender equality in workplaces.

​Undertaking the accreditation process inspired all areas of DoE to work together to end violence against women and support those affected by it.  DoE created a range of family violence resources that were distributed to all workplaces; trained managers in how to appropriately respond to a disclosure of family violence by an employee; and supported schools and workplaces to undertake risk assessments that helped to identify potential risks relating to violence against women.
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Christian Ellston, Managing Director at Career Athlete was responsible for The Department of Education Tasmania's implementation of the White Ribbon program across all schools and worksites in southern Tasmania from March 2017 - October 2017.

Purpose.

​​​Although there is no single cause of violence against women and their children, the latest international evidence shows there are certain factors that consistently predict – or drive – higher levels of violence against women. These include beliefs and behaviours that reflect disrespect for women, low support for gender equality and adherence to rigid or stereotypical gender roles, relations and identities.

DoE's Strategic Plan Learners First, Every Learner Every Day, identified Respect and Courage as two of their core values. Commitment to these values, combined with a workforce that was made up of so many strong, talented female role models (over 70% were women), and their ability to influence so many Tasmanians through their Child and Family Centres, schools and LINCs, meant that they were uniquely placed to directly address factors negatively influencing violence against women and children.