The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is calling on workplaces across the region and beyond to take concrete action to better protect, support and respond to employees experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence.
During the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the Centre is urging employers to partner with its specialist program, Workplace for Change, which provides organisations with trauma-informed guidance, training and support to help them support employees impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.
With this year’s 16 Days of Activism theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the Centre warns that digital abuse is rapidly escalating and increasingly intertwined with real-world harm.
Domestic, family and sexual violence, including surveillance, harassment, image-based abuse, and coercive control online, often spill directly into a woman’s workplace, affecting her safety, well-being and job security.
General Manager of the Centre, Jess Davidson, says the message is clear: every workplace has a vital role in prevention and early intervention.
“No one should fear losing their job or remaining silent because of what they’re experiencing at home or online,” she said.
“Workplaces can be powerful places of safety, but only if employers are prepared, informed and proactive.”
Unlike generic HR or compliance approaches, Workplaces for Change draws on frontline expertise, lived experience and an understanding of legal frameworks to help organisations respond appropriately and compassionately.
The program supports leaders and teams to recognise signs of abuse, understand its impacts, and implement strengths-based, trauma-informed pathways for employees who may need help.
Key elements of the program include tailored training, targeted training for HR and management teams and individual support with specialised counselling and case management for employees impacted by domestic, family and sexual violence.
As digital abuse becomes more sophisticated, the workplace response must evolve too.
The Centre notes that domestic, family and sexual violence can deeply affect a victim-survivor’s performance, attendance and mental health.
Workplaces may be the only environment where a woman feels safe—and the only place she can access support.
During the 16 Days of Activism, the Centre is asking workplaces to commit to:
- Building domestic, family and sexual violence awareness into policies, culture and leadership training
- Strengthening internal support systems and referral pathways
- Leading with care, confidentiality and a community-informed approach
“With the right knowledge and tools, workplaces can help prevent harm, protect employees and drive meaningful social change,” Ms Davidson said.
Organisations interested in supporting employees affected by domestic, family and sexual violence should contact our Workplaces for Change Co-ordinator, Kaila James-Quinn, on 4255 6800 to find out more.