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 10 years prior to the Review and experienced sexual harassment and/or sex discrimination during that 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 office's Conciliation Team in January 2018. It has since concluded.
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.
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 (external site)
Beyondblue: (external site) a support service for depression and anxiety. 1300 224 636.
Yarrow Place: (external site) an inclusive service for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Ph: 1800 817 421.
1800 Respect: (external site) a counselling helpline, information and support service for victims of sexual assault or domestic and family violence. 1800 737 732.
Lifeline: (external site)provides access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. 13 11 14.
Living Well: (external site) online counselling to assist men who have experienced sexual assault. (07) 3028 4648 or email livingwell@anglicaresq.org.au (external site)
Victim Support Service: (external site) provides free and confidential help to adult victims of crime, witnesses, their family, and friends across South Australia. 1800 842 846.
Nunkuwarrin Yunti (external site): free and confidential counseling for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and individuals. (08) 8406 1600.
Relationships Australia (SA): (external site) 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 (external site).