Addressing the National Crisis: What Employers Can Do to Combat Violence Against Women

Content warning: please be advised that this alert contains content about violence against women and domestic violence

Like their workers, Australia’s employers are grappling with the confronting reality of a national crisis of violence against women. While violence against women at home and in personal relationships is at the fore of the national discussion, such violence can (and has in multiple instances) occurred at or in connection with the workplace. 

Enhanced parenting leave, childcare and surrogacy/IVF policies serve as clear examples that employers will invest in additional resources and benefits to support their employees, irrespective of a legal obligation to do so. Accordingly, market-leading employers now find themselves asking a similar question on violence against women and related issues – what can (and must) we do? 

This article is designed to help employers identify, assess and address the risks of violence against women by outlining actions and their benefits in the following areas:

• Financial
• Practical
• Addressing risks at work
• Workplace awareness and appropriate response training
• The benefits of taking a proactive, vocal stance
• Employer concerns

We hope you find it a useful resource and please contact us if you would like to discuss.