Department of Health

Know Better, Be Better.

know better be better

The Department of Health and Human Services and WorkSafe Victoria have collaborated to create a bullying and harassment awareness campaign called Know Better, Be Better aimed at all healthcare workers and leaders in Victorian public health services.

Why 'Know Better, Be Better'?

Every year, one in six healthcare workers report they’ve been bullied at least once. One in ten healthcare workers has been sexually harassed. Bullying and harassment can cause serious health issues in our workplace.

Workplace bullying and harassment can cause physical and mental health issues including high blood pressure, skin and gastrointestinal problems, headaches, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

The healthcare sector suffers from this toxic culture.

We all need to work together to stop inappropriate behaviour.

The campaign Know Better, Be Better includes resources and information to ensure all healthcare workers are aware of the behaviours that are defined as bullying and harassment, of the relevant workplace procedures, and of the importance of working together to eliminate inappropriate behaviours.

Bullying case study - Ravi (video transcript)

Harassment (video transcript)

Understanding bullying and harassment

What is the difference between workplace bullying, harassment and inappropriate behaviour? What are the contributing factors and how do I recognise if I am contributing to bullying, harassment or inappropriate behaviour?

Actions and reporting behaviour

What can I do if I think I am being bullied or harassed? What should I do if I suspect that my own behaviour towards another may have been bullying or harassment? Will reports remain confidential?

Support and guidance

It’s important to get the right help and, depending on your situation, it might be appropriate for you to seek guidance internally or from another organisation.

Legal, management & workplace considerations

Bullying and harassment can be controlled by taking appropriate measures including Implementing and promoting workplace bullying policies and procedures, monitoring the health and safety of workers, monitoring conditions at the workplace and providing appropriate information, instruction, training a...

Bullying and harassment - Know Better, Be Better Campaign resources

KnowBetter, Be Better materials you can use in your health services including email templates, PowerPoint presentations, posters and social media posts.

Reviewed 15 November 2021

Health.vic

Answers to your questions

Related pages

More information

Contact details

Worker Wellbeing Department of Health

50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
whwb@health.vic.gov.au
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