Domestic violence is a workplace issue.
Two-thirds of the people affected by domestic violence are in paid employment. Employers who respond well keep their people safer, more engaged and at work.
Three reasons to put policy and training in place
- It is the right thing to do
- Staff who feel safe and supported stay engaged
- It reduces the cost of absenteeism, lost productivity and turnover
The numbers
The Australian Human Rights Commission reports that 1.2 million Australian women over 15 have experienced domestic violence, and that roughly one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner. Two-thirds of those affected are in paid employment.
The Victorian Government put the direct cost to business at more than $500 million a year. With medical and mental-health costs included the figure is around $4 billion, and the full cost to the Australian economy is estimated at over $13 billion annually.
If you are a decision-maker, there are inexpensive, well-tested ways to reduce that impact and support your staff.
Start with Australia’s CEO Challenge
Australia’s CEO Challenge (ACEOC) is an award-winning charity providing workplace policy, training and staff engagement — keeping workplaces responsive to the issue, compliant with the Fair Work Act, and giving back to local domestic violence shelters.