Diversity, Inclusion and Equity

Safe Steps is committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our clients and our staff.

We are committed to a focus on recognising and eliminating discrimination in the services we deliver.

We believe our people are our greatest asset and by supporting and incorporating their diverse talents, knowledge, perspectives and experiences, we can strengthen our relationships with the communities with whom we work.

Being a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports and enables equity goes to the very heart of our work and supports our strategic intent for ‘Building an organisation and culture that is supportive, responsive and sustainable’.

We have a range of principles and strategies to ensure our services provide a welcoming safe environment and experience for everyone. This means our clients, regardless of who they are, where they come from or their life experiences, will receive services that meet their specific needs. It means that staff levels of the organisation will be able to work in an environment that is respectful and inclusive.

Why Embracing Diversity, Inclusion and Equity is Important to Safe Steps

Supporting diversity and acknowledging that our differences and our sameness in relation to age, sex, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, language, political beliefs, sexual identity, disability or those experiencing mental health issues helps develop strong and sustainable relationships
Providing a culturally safe environment supports clients to feel safer and supports their right to be their authentic and true self
Understanding that where people belong to several diverse groups e.g., religion, gender, sexuality, age, disability; that this intersectionality can pose additional challenges and barriers for us to respond to
Encouraging consultation and collaboration helps us to gain feedback that guides improvement in our services and work environments to ensure we are meeting the needs of clients and staff

Celebrating diversity enables us to gain a better understanding of one another, cultivate greater respect and nurture deeper connections to strengthen our services and workplace.

Fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workplace

In September 2024, Safe Steps proudly achieved our Rainbow Tick Accreditation, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering a culturally safe and inclusive workplace and service for the LGBTIQA+ community.

While we celebrate this achievement, we recognise that it is only the start of our ongoing journey to improve the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex, asexual, and queer (LGBTIQA+) service users, staff, and volunteers. Read more about our Rainbow Tick accreditation.

Our Commitment to Reconciliation

Safe Steps acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Victoria, the land on which our services are delivered. We acknowledge the First Peoples’ right to self-determination and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities.

The Safe Steps Reconciliation Action Plan contains a range of practical activities to build better understandings, meaningful relationships, and stronger self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Read more about our Reconciliation Plan.

Safe Steps respectfully acknowledges and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and pays respects to their Elders of past, current and future generations.

Safe Steps is committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation for the benefit of our clients and our staff. We are committed to a focus on recognising and eliminating discrimination in the services we deliver. Read our Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Statement here.

Safe Steps is committed to creating and maintaining a Child Safe Organisation; ensuring obligations to meet the Child Safe Standards and Reportable Conduct Scheme requirements, as codified by the Child Wellbeing and Safety Act 2005 (Vic). You can read more about this commitment in our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy here.

Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre is supported by the Victorian Government.

Safe Steps respectfully acknowledges and celebrates the Traditional Owners of the lands throughout Victoria and pays respects to their Elders of past, current and future generations.