.png){kind=small}
Research shows that domestic and family violence affects all parts of life, including work. Disability complicates the situation. Here, we explain how to recognise the problem in the workplace, and why and how employers should respond.
Many women experience violence at work, which harms their health, wellbeing, and career.
Violence against women in the workplace includes:
The violence could come from:
Work health and safety laws require employers to manage the risks of violence at work, including when people work from home.
Domestic and family violence (DFV) can reduce a person's safety, wellbeing, attendance, and work performance. The problem is widespread.
In Australia:
Women with disabilities experiencing violence face unique challenges. For example, it can be hard to leave an abusive situation if your abuser helps with money or daily tasks.
You can read more information about the impact at Our Watch - Supporting workplace prevention of violence against women in regional, rural and remote communities (external link).
Employers can help prevent violence against women and gender-diverse people. Inclusive, respectful workplaces help people stay safe.
The signs of domestic and family violence include:
Employers can learn to:
Here is a list of practical steps.
Talk to workers
Aim to understand when, where and how workers may be at risk.
It's a sensitive topic. Keep the conversations private. Don't ask for unnecessary personal details. Instead, ask what policies and practices workers need to be safe.
Train managers
Teach managers about the signs of domestic and family violence. Offer training to help them manage the risks. Give them tools to talk about violence.
For example, you could share the Neve page How to talk about violence (internal link).
Create a culture that supports diversity and gender equality
There are many ways to improve the workplace culture around domestic and family violence. You can:
Have appropriate policies and procedures
Develop a domestic and family violence workplace policy that explains how to access support at work and elsewhere. It should also discuss safety at work.
Support should include:
Remove barriers to reporting
People may choose not to report violence they experience at work because they fear that they will be:
Workplaces should clearly say what happens to workers who report violence. Assure people they will not be punished if they speak up.
Give people the support they need
Women and gender-diverse people with disability are more likely to suffer DFV. Because of difficult experiences, they may not bring violence to their employer's attention. They may also face more challenges in leaving an abusive situation.
Get to know your workforce. Learn what supports your people need. The best way to do this is ask.
Change the workplace, change the world
Changes at work can help shift beliefs that increase violence against women.
To challenge gender inequality, address:
If a worker or anyone at your workplace is in immediate danger, call 000.
The Fair Work Ombudsman has a guide for small businesses on domestic and family violence. Find it on the Fair Work Ombudsman website (external link).
The Australian Human Rights Commission shares resources on disability rights. Access them on the Australian Human Rights Commission website (external link).
The Our Watch website also has information for workplaces responding to reports of violence. Find this on the Our Watch website (external link).
Addressing violence in small communities and small workplaces can be particularly challenging. Learn more on the Neve page What you might be thinking or feeling (internal link).
If you experience violence or abuse, you can contact 1800 RESPECT for support and counselling. It is an excellent resource to share with workers who have faced violence. Phone 1800 737 732 or chat with someone online. Text 'HELLO' or any greeting to 0458 737 732 to start the conversation.
There are many things you can do to help improve the safety of people facing violence. Here is a list of suggestions. You should choose options that are right for you and the person you want to help.
Call 000 if you or anyone else is in immediate danger. If this makes you feel nervous or unsure, you can learn more about the process on the Neve page A guide to calling triple zero (000) (internal link).
Don't confront the violent person. It can make the situation worse. Instead, help and support the person they have hurt.
Find a safe time and place to ask the person who has been harmed about their experiences. Be calm. Don't judge. Remember, it is your job to offer support, not take over. You can learn how to have conversations about violence on the Neve page How to talk about violence (internal link).
Support their choices. Ask the person experiencing violence what they would like to happen next. Offer to help them find information and learn about their options. You can learn how to:
Get help deciding what to do. The National Disability Abuse and Neglect Hotline works with callers to find appropriate ways to deal with reports of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. To make a report, contact the Hotline on 1800 880 052 or email hotline@workfocus.com. If you do this, you should tell the person you support.
Encourage the person experiencing violence to seek help. They could talk to:
Help the person experiencing violence plan to be safe. A safety plan can help manage the risks of leaving a violent situation or relationship. Learn more on the Neve page How to be safe when you leave an abusive relationship (internal link).
Even if the person experiencing violence is not ready to leave the violent situation or relationship, they can still plan to be safer. Learn more on the Neve page When you are not ready to leave a relationship (internal link).
Keep records of the bad behaviour. If it is safe, help the person experiencing violence save phone call logs, text messages, photos or other evidence. If they decide to go to the police later, they will have evidence to show them.
Help them plan how to manage their disability. If the person has been hurt by someone who helps them with the tasks of daily life, they may need to plan to have their care needs met outside that relationship. It can be very challenging. If you feel comfortable, let them know that you will help them think of solutions if they want. Help them plan what they could do if they need urgent support.
Help them gain financial independence. This can help them leave a violent situation when they are ready. Find positive steps to share with the person experiencing violence on the Neve page Help managing your money (internal link).
Give them information on their right to live free from violence. You can read more about the rights of people with disabilities on the Neve page Disability and discrimination (internal link).
Encourage them to look after themselves. Self-care helps us cope when times are tough. You can read more about self-care and looking after yourself on the Neve page Caring for yourself (internal link).
Help them learn about their legal options. If the person experiencing violence is interested, you could help them research legal tools such as restraining and protective orders. You can learn more about legal support in the Neve section Understanding the justice system (internal link).
Report the problem to authorities. You could call your local police. You could speak to a government organisation, like an Ombudsman or the Australian Human Rights Commission. If you report the problem, tell the person who has been harmed.
Call a helpline. Australia has many helplines that offer practical advice and support services for people experiencing violence or abuse. You can find a list of numbers and resources on the Neve page Helpline directory (internal link).
Seek support for yourself. Hearing about violence is challenging. Talk to someone you trust. Tell the person you confide in what would and would not be helpful for you. For example, you might just want to talk. Or, you might want practical help. They should focus on you and what you need to be safer and feel supported.
Speak to a counsellor. If you have difficulties you can't manage alone, see a counsellor, therapist or psychologist. Learn about the different options on the Neve page Counselling and therapy (internal link).
Carmen is an autistic woman with chronic pain problems. She worries about how much her pain affects her performance at work. She tries not to complain when she is in pain and just gets on with things. However, because of her autistic traits, she also experiences bullying. Carmen feels too self-conscious to bring this violence to her employer's attention. She frequently takes sick leave to cope and wonders if she should look for another job. A concerned work colleague calls Carmen to ask if she needs help. The colleague discovers what has been causing Carmen's stress and need for 'time out'. Together, they approach the employer and work towards a positive outcome.
This section is for people and organisations that support or work with women, girls, feminine identifying and non-binary people with disabilities. Here, you will discover a wealth of free courses, factsheets, and guides, all designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to support your work. We've also included a section for worker wellbeing, because we understand the importance of taking care of those who care for others.
Find out moreSupporting someone who is experiencing violence or abuse can be difficult, especially if you've never done it before. This page offers guidance on helping safely. It explains what to do and what to avoid.
Find out more%20Medium.jpeg)
May 13, 2024
|
Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence
A guide for women with disability experiencing family and domestic violence.
Check resource.jpeg)
May 13, 2024
|
Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence
A guide for women with disability and mothers of children with disability who have experience of family and domestic violence.
Check resource
May 4, 2024
|
1800 RESPECT
If you are going to leave a relationship, deciding what to take with you is an important step in creating a safety plan. This checklist helps you plan what you may need to take if you need to leave.
Check resource.png)
