The NT Commissioner of Correctional Services said today that he was delighted his Department has been awarded national accreditation as a White Ribbon workplace.

Commissioner Mark Payne, APM, said NT Correctional Services was the first correctional services department in Australia to achieve White Ribbon workplace accreditation and the second Territory organisation after NT Police.

“This is a significant achievement for NTDCS staff throughout the Northern Territory and demonstrates our commitment to prevent and respond to violence against women in the home and at work,” Commissioner Payne said.

“With one in three Australian women having experienced physical or sexual violence and one in five women experiencing harassment in the workplace, it’s imperative that organisations provide safe environments for their staff.

“This means having appropriate policies and support in place for our managers and staff in all locations throughout the Territory who may be affected by domestic and family violence in addition to referral pathways for victims.”   

Commissioner Payne said the values and goals of the White Ribbon campaign mirrored the values of the NTDCS and reflected programs addressing violent offending behaviour amongst the prison population.

“It’s an unfortunate fact that domestic violence and violence against women generally is a feature of criminal behaviour in the community,” he said.

 “With our front-line and support staff totally committed to advancing the White Ribbon message of preventing men’s violence against women, I am confident that this national accreditation will pay dividends well into the future.”

Media contact:  Barry Lowe 0447 767 101