Important update on the management of abuse allegations and victim support services

[Wandering Eyes]

GRV, Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) and Racing Victoria (RV), the Controlling Bodies of the Victorian Racing Industry (VRI), have engaged with the Office of the Racing Integrity Commissioner (ORIC) to pro-actively request an independent review into the current processes for the handling of physical or sexual abuse, assault or harassment-based allegations across the VRI, informed by an understanding of the experiences of complainants.

The Controlling Bodies have become aware of historical allegations of physical and sexual assaults by individuals that were, at the time of the alleged conduct, participants within the VRI. Where appropriate and supported by the complainant such allegations have been referred to relevant law enforcement agencies for investigation and/or counselling support afforded to the individual.

As a result the Controlling Bodies have engaged with ORIC over a number of months to determine how to best address these allegations and to ensure that the appropriate frameworks and processes are in place to deliver a safe VRI environment.

Following these discussions, the VRI has today formally requested that Victoria’s Racing Integrity Commissioner undertake the following:

1. Implement an independent, confidential opportunity for historic victims of physical or sexual abuse, assault or harassment, within the VRI to report concerns and complaints to persons independent of the racing industry and to access support services as required;

2. Engage a suitably qualified independent specialist to examine existing processes and systems at the Controlling Bodies, to review how complaints of physical or sexual abuse, assault or harassment in the VRI are currently handled;

3. An assessment, by the independent specialist, of the capacity and capability of the Controlling Bodies to respond to complaints of physical or sexual abuse, assault, or harassment in the VRI and the processes and systems required to support such a response including a consideration of complainants’ experiences; and

4. The provision of a report that details relevant findings and recommendations on each of the items described above (points 1-3), with a focus on implementable measures to achieve best practice across the VRI.

In requesting the independent review by ORIC, the Controlling Bodies have affirmed their commitment to zero tolerance for any type of abuse, always fostering and promoting the safety and welfare of people participating in the racing industry and ensuring that appropriate structures are in place to support victims of physical or sexual abuse, assault or harassment.

If you would like to register your interest to participate in the Review please contact: review@racingintegrity.vic.gov.au or the dedicated support line 1300 896 049.

Any recommendations that result from this review will help map a pathway for all three racing codes on best practice in the prevention, identification, and handling of any future incidents of this nature. The timeline for this work is subject to further consultation between the Controlling Bodies and ORIC.

I would like to reiterate that GRV has a zero-tolerance position on any abuse, albeit at the office, at clubs, or on the track in any capacity.

I would also like to remind all participants that they can access Greyhound Participant Support (GPS)  by calling 1300 739 550 or go to www.accesseap.com.au, which is a 24-hour confidential independent professional counselling service available to all Victorian participants and their families.

Stuart Laing

Chief Executive Officer (Acting)

Greyhound Racing Victoria

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