Abuse Prevention through Culture Change Framework
In May 2023, Kooyoora received a $35,000 grant from the National Centre for Child Abuse Research for the further development of an abuse prevention framework in partnership with Australian Catholic University and Glasshouse Safeguarding, as well as people that have experienced abuse in organisational settings.
Framework Overview
The Kooyoora Abuse Prevention through Culture Change Framework is an organisational culture change and development program designed to safeguard against harmful behaviours such as sexual abuse, harassment, and misconduct.
Its purpose is to guide organisations through a process of meaningful self reflection and continuous improvement to better cultivate a positive and safe culture that is proactive in preventing harm.
It will be offered to interested organisations of all sizes who are committed to fostering a culture that supports the safety of all its members. Not a compliance-based approach, it is for organisations genuinely interested in shining a spotlight on their internal culture dynamics for the purpose of creating positive change.
The primary aim is to help organisations pinpoint the cultural factors that may increase the risk of abuse and harassment. The insights and information derived through the culture review process will be used to create bespoke educational resources for cultural transformation that supports and aligns with the principles of psychological safety.
Research
This Framework is directly informed by a literature review, expert guidance from project partners and most importantly from people with lived experience of abuse within an organisational context.
The Literature Review, completed in October 2023, covered a broad exploration of literature across disciplines and sectors to understand how organisational culture change could be applied as a multifaceted intervention strategy to support existing prevention efforts.
What Can the Framework Do For You?
Our framework helps organisations identify potential risks that could compromise the safety and well-being of staff, volunteers, students and clients. We equip you with effective tools and strategies to address these risks and create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone.
Our framework goes beyond policy compliance and considers cultural risks that are specific to each organisation, ensuring comprehensive safeguarding measures are put in place.
Implementing Kooyoora’s Abuse Prevention Framework can help your organisation create child-safe cultures by identifying risks. It is aligned with jurisdictional Child Safe Standards, health and safety legislation and Respect@work reforms.
How to Use It
The Framework serves as a toolbox customised for your organisation, equipping you to systematically foster a safe and secure environment.
Through our methodical approach, your organisation can progress through each stage, gaining clarity on what constitutes a safe culture and identifying any areas for improvement in your current practices.