Introduction
Welcome to the information page for the study “Are We Training for Respect?”, which is part of the broader Training for Respect project.
This initiative, led by Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), aims to understand and address workplace gendered violence in Victorian Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). Your participation is crucial in helping us create safer and more respectful training environments for both staff and students.
Why This Study is Important
Workplace gendered violence, including sexual harassment, is a serious occupational health and safety issue. It affects individuals based on their sex, gender, sexual orientation, or because they do not adhere to socially prescribed gender roles. Despite its significance, there is limited evidence on the extent of these issues within RTOs, particularly involving students during worksite training.
What This Study Involves
This study seeks to fill that gap by administering an online survey to collect comprehensive data from both public and private RTOs across Victoria. The survey includes questions that will ask about experiencing or committing sexual harassment, bullying, discrimination, and violence and aggression. The survey will also ask questions about intention to leave (staff/student turnover), and absenteeism and presenteeism. Absenteeism is a pattern of absence from work or training and is generally unplanned whereas presenteeism means that you are physically at work or training but are not able to perform your duties.
The findings will contribute to the development of targeted training programs and policies that aim to prevent gendered violence and support a culture of respect and equality.
Privacy Information
Your privacy is our top priority. The survey is completely anonymous, and no personally identifying information will be collected. Your responses will be aggregated with those of other participants and used solely for research purposes.
The study adheres to the highest ethical standards, following guidelines set by the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023), to ensure your rights and wellbeing are protected throughout your participation. The study has undergone a rigorous examination and received ethics approval from Bellberry Limited (Ref: 2024-02-147).
Key Privacy Points:
- Anonymity: No personal identifying data will be collected.
- Confidentiality: All responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate form.
- Data Storage: Data will be securely stored on internal servers at Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) in password-protected files. When the survey has closed, all data will downloaded and deleted from Survey Monkey.
- Data Usage: The collected data will be used for research purposes to improve training environments and will be retained permanently for its community and historical value.
How to Participate
Your decision to participate is entirely voluntary.
Participating in the survey is easy and will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Your insights are invaluable, whether or not you have directly experienced gendered violence. Here’s how you can participate:
- Read the Plain Language Statement
- Complete the survey
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For more detailed information, please read our FAQs.
Key Questions:
- What is workplace gendered violence?
- Who can participate in the survey?
- How will the survey data be used?
- What support is available if the survey content is distressing?
Support and Resources
We understand that some of the questions in the survey may be sensitive. If you find any content distressing or need support, we encourage you to reach out to the following services:
- Safe Steps – Family Violence Response Centre: safesteps.org.au, 1800 015 188
- 1800 RESPECT – National 24hr Counselling Helpline: 1800respect.org.au, 1800 737 732
- Victoria Police: police.vic.gov.au
- The Orange Door: orangedoor.vic.gov.au, 1800 319 353
- Victorian Centres Against Sexual Assault (CASA): casa.org.au, 1800 806 292
- Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au, 1300 224 636
- Rainbow Door: rainbowdoor.org.au, 1800 729 367
Contact Us
For any questions or additional information, please contact:
- Dr. Rachel Bush: rbush@whise.org.au
- Kit McMahon: kMcMahon@whise.org.au
About the Training for Respect Project
The Training for Respect project is an initiative by WHISE aimed at improving the capacity, capability, and confidence of Victoria’s adult education sector to prevent and respond to work-related gender-based violence. Supported by WorkSafe Victoria’s WorkWell Respect Fund, this project involves collaboration with various stakeholders to create a safer and more respectful training environment.
For more information about the broader Training for Respect project, please visit Training for Respect.
Thank you for your participation and commitment to making our training environments safer and more respectful.
