Despite its prevalence, few employers appreciate why DFV is a workplace issue, or understand their role in being part of the solution. It’s why the Victorian Chamber has developed a comprehensive half-day workshop to equip senior leaders, managers and HR professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage DFV in the workplace.

Domestic violence refers to violent behaviour between current or former intimate partners, while family violence is a broader term that refers to violence between family members.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), one in six women and one in 18 men “have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a current or previous cohabiting partner since the age of 15”. The numbers are even more prevalent for emotional abuse. Tragically data shows one woman is killed in a domestic homicide per week.

Most abuse victims are in paid employment, which is why the Victorian Chamber’s Managing Domestic and Family Violence in the Workplace training helps you understand the current state of DFV in Australia and how it impacts the workplace.

Early signs and disclosures

It is possible to notice early warning signs of DFV, which can include physical and behavioural changes.

You may notice an employees’ frequent bruises or injuries, either unexplained or attributed to ‘accidents’ or ‘clumsiness’. Thick makeup, wearing sunglasses and concealing clothing even in warm weather can also be telltale signs.

Behavioural indicators can involve changes in work performance and availability, withdrawal from social situations or reluctance to leave work, and other disruptions including distressing calls or texts or visits from current or former partners.

If, with or without warning, you were presented with a disclosure of DFV from an employee, would you know what to do?

It is important to follow these steps:

• Take the disclosure seriously – listen actively and empathetically
• Acknowledge how hard it is for your employee to discuss the situation
• Believe the person, tell them it’s not their fault and violence is never acceptable
• Don’t assume, prejudge, dismiss, trivialise, or try to ‘fix’ the situation
• Provide practical information about support available from the workplace and externally
• Assess the safety risk – is there an immediate threat?

Training

The Victorian Chamber’s Managing Domestic and Family Violence in the Workplace training covers the early warning signs of DFV, having a supportive DFV conversation and developing an organisational DFV strategy, along with how to navigate your legal obligations as an employer – this year the Fair Work Act was amended so all employees will be able to access up to 10 days’ family and domestic violence paid leave in a 12-month period.

For more information, visit the Managing Domestic and Family Violence in the Workplace training page.