The Diversity Council of Australia (DCA) and Our Watch have released a report into domestic and family violence, and the significant impacts this has on the workplace.
Mythbusting: Domestic & Family Violence at Work uses evidence to tackle some common myths, and provides tools and resources for Australian businesses to become leaders in prevention.
The report is clear, concise and easy to understand, with helpful, instructional sections on ‘What can my workplace do?’. Useful guides, factsheets and templates are recommended throughout from organisations such as the Australian Human Rights Commission, the Male Champions of Change and VicHealth.
Some Stats
Those impacted by domestic and family violence come from all age groups, all professions, all levels of society. It’s a significant issue that affects everyone.
- 1 in 4 Australian women has experienced violence by a current or former partner. Violence against women can take many forms, including physical, sexual, psychological and financial.
- Approximately two thirds of women experiencing violence from a current partner are employed.
- About 20% of Australian workers experiencing domestic and family violence report the violence continuing into the workplace.
- Violence against women and their children costs Australian businesses $1.9 billion a year.
- 75% of people who experience domestic and family violence report that the perpetrator is male.
- Men who use domestic and family violence are more likely to have, and express, sexist beliefs about women, and have strong beliefs about gender roles and masculinity.
The Myths
Myth #1: “Domestic and family violence doesn’t have anything to do with the workplace”
Reality: Domestic and family violence is a workplace issue. If an employee is living with, or using, domestic and family violence, it will have an impact on the workplace.
Myth #2: “Domestic and family violence only happens to [straight-cisgender] women”
Reality: Men can be victims of domestic and family violence. However, women and gender diverse people experience domestic and family violence at rates much higher than men.
Myth #3: “There aren’t any ‘perpetrators’ or ‘victims’ at our workplace”
Reality: There is no ‘typical’ or ‘standard’ person who uses or experiences domestic and family violence
Myth #4: “It’s not that bad, he doesn’t hit her”
Reality: Violence can take many forms, and physical violence is only one of them.
Myth #5: “I don’t want to get involved – it’s none of my business…”
Reality: Violence is everyone’s business, including workplaces. If you see it, or hear about it, it becomes your business.
Myth #6: “We aren’t therapists or lawyers, there’s nothing we can do.”
Reality: HR or managers can often be first responders to disclosures or revelations of domestic and family violence.
Myth #7: “If anyone at our organisation did that, we would just fire them…”
Reality: We need to stop it before it starts.
Also see our list of national and local resources and services that can assist those suffering from family or domestic violence.