Turnbull set to privatise 1800RESPECT

The National Union of Students is disgusted by the Turnbull Government’s moves to open the 1800respect hotline to the hands of the private sector, trivialising the experiences of sexual assault and rape.
Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia have been given one week to submit a tender in a competitive pool of private services.

R&DVSA were commissioned to run the 1800respect service since 2010; providing vital support and resources for victims of sexual assault, gendered violence or rape. This decision will risk jobs, professional expertise and care, and will compromise the support victims will receive.

“We are outraged by this Government’s move to make profit off victims of sexual assault and rape,” said NUS President, Sophie Johnston “The experience of gendered violence is very real and support services like 1800respect are incremental in not only supporting victims recovery; but in changing this culture.”

“The Liberals cut funding to safe schools, community legal services, and domestic violences,” Johnston said, “this is a clear ideological move where services are based on efficiency and profitability over quality and care that is essential to the recovery of victims.”

“The Liberals are forcing 1800respect to enter into a competitive tender by offering up the service to private corporations.” said NUS Women’s Officer, Abby Stapleton “We are deeply concerned about this as it will force many women to go without immediate, first response support and counselling.”

“The is indicative of how low women are on the Liberals priority list.” Stapleton said “First they rip vital funding out of frontline services, now they are sending a clear message that they do not prioritize the welfare of rape and domestic abuse survivors.”

The NUS Women’s department recently launched its campaign ‘You’re worse off as a woman; Fight back against the Liberals!’.

National Student Protests have been called for March 22 in response to the Liberals attacks on the most vulnerable and the Women’s Department will have a contingent focused on the attacks on women and gendered violence.
Sophie Johnston National President | National Union of Students