Participant Information

You are invited to participate in research exploring Australian veterinarians’ experiences of everyday sexism in the workplace. Before you decide whether or not you wish to participate in this study, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve.  Please take the time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish.

Principal investigator (primary student supervisor):
Dr Emma Scholz BVSc PhD SFHEA,
Lecturer in Veterinary Education,
School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences (SAVS),
Charles Sturt University
Email: escholz@csu.edu.au
Phone: 02 69334184

Co-investigators:
Assoc. Prof Jane Heller BSc, BVSc(Hons), DipVetClinStud, MVetClinStud, PhD, MANZCVS, Dipl. EVCPH
Associate Professor in Veterinary Epidemiology & Public Health, SAVS,
Charles Sturt University

Dr Luzia Rast BVSc (Zürich); MVPHMgt, PhD (Syd); MANZCVS (Vet Epidemiology),
Student co-supervisor,
Lecturer in Ruminant (Sheep) Health and Production, SAVS,
Charles Sturt University

Ms Amy Munro,
Honours student Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science, SAVS,
Charles Sturt University
What is the purpose of this study?
This study is adopting a perspective of everyday sexism to explore negative gender experiences for Australian veterinarians — male, female and gender diverse.  Everyday sexism is quite well described in a report by the Male Champions of Change group, who identify it as "occurring in both the formal and casual interactions between people…They are sometimes the little things, said or done in a moment, that play into stereotypes of gender."* 
*Male Champions of Change (2017). We set the tone: Eliminating everyday sexism.
Retrieved from https://malechampionsofchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/We-Set-The-Tone_Eliminating-Everyday-Sexism.pdf

This study is not setting out to explore overt sexual discrimination, harassment or violence.  While these behaviours unfortunately occur across society, we are focusing on behaviour that is not clearly identifiable as unlawful.  

Why have I been invited to participate in this study? 
We are inviting all registered veterinarians in Australia who are working, or have worked, in their veterinary capacity (not necessarily in a clinical setting) at some time in the previous 2 years.  Individuals who have not been working as veterinarians during that time may have valuable input regarding this topic, but in this study we are seeking data related to recent experiences in veterinary workplaces.

What does this study involve? 
If you agree to participate, you will complete this online questionnaire.  Your consent to participate in the research is indicated by entering responses to the questions. 

The questionnaire has sections that explore the frequency of experiences, reactions to, and impact of, different everyday sexism events in veterinary workplaces, as well as demographic information about you and the nature of your workplace.  Participants are reminded not to mention business names, locations or any other person by name.

The questionnaire is likely to take you approximately 20 minutes to complete.

At the conclusion of the questionnaire there is an optional section in which you may submit your name and a contact email and/or phone number if you may be interested in participating in future research to further explore this topic.  If you provide your contact details, your participation will be known to the researchers, but your complete confidentiality and that of your data will be preserved.
Are there risks and benefits to me in taking part in this study?
If you believe that participating in this study is likely to cause you distress, please consider carefully before you participate.  Some suggested sources of support are listed at the end of this section.

If any participants, inadvertently or otherwise, name businesses, locations or other individuals, those names will be removed from the data.  We have opted not to pursue disclosures of illegal behaviour except in the unlikely event that we were subject to a court order.

We cannot promise you any direct personal benefit from your participation in this study.  However, we believe the study will contribute positively to the veterinary profession and its future.  

How is this study being paid for?
Will taking part in it cost me anything, and will I be paid?  There is no funding for this research.  Taking part will not cost you anything, nor is there any payment for your participation.

What if I don't want to take part in this study or if I participate and want to withdraw later?
Only those people who give their informed consent will be included in the project.  Whether you decide to participate or not is your decision and will not disadvantage you.  You can stop participating at any time however, due to the anonymous nature of the data, withdrawal of any responses you have already entered will not be possible.

How will my confidentiality be protected?
If you opt to not provide contact details, none of the research data will identify you.  If you do provide your contact details, your identity will be known only to the researchers.  Your responses will be uncoupled from your identity for the purposes of analysis. 

The research data will be stored in a password-protected environment at CSU with access only by the named members of the research team.  The data will be stored in this way for a minimum of 5 years from the last presentation or publication arising from the study in accordance with the CSU Research Data Management Policy.

Data entered into this online survey platform is protected by SurveyMonkey's privacy policy and security statement (please click for more details).

What will happen to the information that I give you?
The findings of this research will be reported in at least one journal paper and conference presentation and in an Honours dissertation.
What should I do if I want to discuss this study further before I decide?
For more information, please contact Dr Emma Scholz via email escholz@csu.edu.au or phone 02 69334184.

Who should I contact if I have concerns about the conduct of this study?
Charles Sturt University’s Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this project [Protocol number H19238].  If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this project, you may contact the Committee through the Ethics and Compliance Unit via the following contact details:
     The Governance Officer,
     Human Research Ethics Committee,
     Ethics and Compliance Unit,
     Locked Bag 588,
     Wagga Wagga NSW 2678    
     Email: ethics@csu.edu.au
     Phone: (02) 6933 4628                                                   

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully and you will be informed of the outcome.


Support services
We recognise that there will be some potential participants who have had traumatic experiences of harassment, abuse or even violence, whether in the course of their work or not.  This study is not seeking information about behaviour that can be clearly identified as illegal (sexual violence or harassment), but if you need crisis support please access Lifeline 13 11 14. 

For further information about support for sexual harassment and assault:
  • Your GP or other health professional
  • Heads Up https://www.headsup.org.au/ a workplace mental health agency affiliated with Beyond Blue. Resources for self-help, support seeking and rights and responsibilities at work.
  • AVA members have 24 hour access to a counselling service on 1300 687327
  • The Gender Centre https://gendercentre.org.au/ advice about workplace issues and links to support services for gender diverse individuals. 
  • Australian Human Rights Commission  https://knowtheline.humanrights.gov.au/   Recognising, addressing and seeking support regarding sexual harassment at work
  • National list of sexual assault services https://www.humanrights.gov.au/our-work/sex-discrimination/list-sexual-assault-services support services, reporting options for all states.

Conclusion
Thank you for considering this invitation.  If you would like to save or print a copy of this information to keep for your records, please download the document from https://csuprod-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/escholz_csu_edu_au/EVobNtjCi5JDtVTa50sIhl0BQ1NweEva0mPrS-zrs_4x1g?e=m4e2Dh.

To proceed to the questionnaire, please click the 'Next' button below.
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