Independent Review into sex discrimination and sexual harassment, including predatory behaviour in Victoria Police - Phase One Report, 2015

A truly landmark report by the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has given Victoria Police an opportunity to lead change on one of the most insidious and disturbing problems – abuse of and discrimination against women.

The report, released on Wednesday, was commissioned by Victoria Police, to its credit. It reveals rampant predatory behaviour within the force and a shameful culture of protecting the perpetrators. There can be few more important roles than that of law enforcement – a society cannot function without confidence in those whose sworn duty it is to protect innocent citizens, including within their own ranks.

The VEOHRC report is believed to be one of the largest workplace sexual harassment studies ever conducted anywhere in the world; almost 5000 employees were interviewed. It found widespread discrimination, sexual harassment and even rape. Gay and lesbian members of the police were also victims.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/comment/the-age-editorial/victoria-police-must-end-abuse-of-women-in-the-force-20151210-glkjx9.html