One of the 38 recommendations from the EOC's Independent Review into the nature and extent of sex discrimination and sexual harassment in South Australia Police (SAPOL), was to establish a Restorative Engagement Program (REP).
The primary purpose of the REP was to provide a forum for former or current employees who worked at SAPOL in the last 10 years and experienced sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination during this period, to tell their story to specially trained SAPOL leaders during a safe and confidential Restorative Engagement Conference.
The REP was established as an independent program within the EOC on 21 April 2017. Feedback from the REP complainants was overwhelmingly positive.
The REP service transitioned into the our office's Conciliation Team in January 2018.
If you have experienced sex discrimination, sexual harassment or predatory behaviour while working with SAPOL, you can contact our office.
What other support services are available?
If you feel you need support, you can directly contact any of these support services for assistance.
SAFE SPACE: an independent service that is free to all SAPOL employees that provides support, advice and advocacy, and enables people to report harm informally and confidentially if they choose to do so. Call 1300 727 656 - service available 24 hours.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): an external, professional counselling service available to all SAPOL employees and immediate family members 24 hours, 7 days a week. It is available for up to six sessions over a two-year period. You can seek a referral through the Employee Assistance Section in Health Safety and Welfare Branch on (08) 7322 3141, or you can self-refer by contacting 1300 469 327.
SAPOL Employee Assistance Section: (08) 7322 3152 or email DLSAPOLEAS@police.sa.gov.au
Beyondblue: a support service for depression and anxiety. 1300 224 636.
Yarrow Place: an inclusive service for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Ph: 08 8226 8777 or 1800 817 421 (for country callers).
1800 Respect: a counselling helpline, information and support service for victims of sexual assault or domestic and family violence. 1800 737 732.
Lifeline: provides access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 13 11 14.
Living Well: online counselling to assist men who have experienced sexual assault. (07) 3028 4648 or email livingwell@anglicaresq.org.au
Victim Support Service: provides free and confidential help to adult victims of crime, witnesses, their family, and friends across South Australia. 1800 842 846.
Nunkuwarrin Yunti: free and confidential counseling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and individuals. (08) 8406 1600.
Relationships Australia (SA): personal counseling in various locations across South Australia. 1300 364 277 or 1800 182 325.
You may also wish to talk to your GP about a supported mental health plan that entitles you to Medicare rebates. See more information about the Better Access Initiative.