Business leaders, managers and workplace decision-makers gathered online this week for a Lunch and Learn session hosted by the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre to explore how workplaces can better support employees experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
Held during International Women’s Day Week, the free training session introduced Workplaces for Change, a program designed to equip leaders with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond appropriately and compassionately when employees are impacted by violence.
The session highlighted the critical role workplaces can play in recognising the signs of domestic and family violence and creating environments where employees feel safe to seek support.
Domestic violence is a workplace issue
Participants discussed how domestic violence often extends beyond the home and into workplaces, affecting safety, productivity and wellbeing.
Statistics shared during the session highlighted the scale of the issue. In Australia, one in four women has experienced violence by an intimate partner or family member, and two-thirds of women experiencing domestic violence are employed.
Facilitator Aimee Jackson explained that workplaces frequently become a place of refuge or disclosure for victim-survivors.
“For many people experiencing violence, the workplace may be the only place they can spend time away from the person harming them,” she said.
Participants also learned that violence can directly impact work attendance and performance. Research shows that around half of survivors report that domestic violence affects their ability to get to work or concentrate while they are there.
In some cases, violence can also occur at the workplace itself, through repeated calls, harassment, stalking, or a partner physically turning up at a work site.
Recognising the signs
During the training, attendees discussed common signs that a colleague may be experiencing domestic violence. These can include:
- Increased absenteeism or lateness
- Changes in behaviour or withdrawal from colleagues
- Increased personal phone calls or messages
- Anxiety about leaving work
- Reduced work performance or concentration
- A partner frequently contacting or attending the workplace
Participants emphasised the importance of responding with curiosity and care rather than judgement.
“Sometimes what we see at work is only a small part of what someone is managing in their life,” one attendee shared during the session.
Why leadership matters
The training also highlighted the important role leaders play in creating workplaces where employees feel safe to disclose concerns.
General Manager of Illawarra Women’s Health Centre, Jess Davidson, said workplaces play a crucial role in supporting people experiencing violence.
“Workplaces are often one of the few places where someone experiencing violence may feel safe enough to seek help,” she said.
“When leaders understand the signs and know how to respond, they can create a pathway to safety, stability and support that can make a real difference in someone’s life.”
Workplaces can support employees by providing flexible work arrangements, ensuring confidentiality, offering domestic violence leave, and connecting employees with specialist services.
Since 2023, most Australian workers are entitled to 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave, recognising the significant barriers people face when trying to access support, attend court, relocate or seek medical care.
Creating safer workplace cultures
Participants also explored what makes a workplace feel safe enough for employees to ask for help.
Key factors included strong leadership, clear policies, regular training, and workplace cultures that welcome rather than avoid difficult conversations.
The session emphasised that building trust takes time and consistency.
Employees need to see ongoing evidence that their workplace is supportive, confidential, and willing to respond appropriately before they feel safe disclosing personal experiences.
Building workplaces for change
The Workplaces for Change program supports organisations to strengthen their response to domestic and family violence by improving policies, building staff capability and creating clear pathways to support for employees who may need help.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is encouraging organisations, leaders and HR professionals to learn more about the program and how it can support workplaces to respond safely and effectively when employees are impacted by violence.
Organisations interested in supporting employees affected by domestic, family and sexual violence should contact 4255 6800 to find out more.