How can I support a colleague experiencing domestic and family violence?

What can you do?

Increase your knowledge about supporting a colleague who is experiencing domestic and family violence by completing the Recognise, Respond, Refer e-learning training.

Some of the key actions for all staff supporting colleagues are:

• Be clear that your role is to support and help, not to judge.
• Maintain confidentiality of your colleague’s domestic violence circumstance.
• Encourage them to seek support through:
  • their work unit or department (refer to your relevant policies and guidelines)
  • counselling—services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from confidential telephone counsellors.
• Offer to attend with them if they need your support.
• Report any threats of violence you experience or witness to your manager/supervisor, site security personnel, the police, or to human resources.

The signs of domestic and family violence aren’t always obvious. You may notice:

• behaviour changes
• bruising, scratches or wearing different clothing that covers most of their body
• comments about a partner or family member that is concerning or out of character
• increases in phone calls or arriving late to work
• crying or other emotional behaviour.

People affected by domestic and family violence may not act any differently or show any outward signs.

The important thing is that if you are concerned about a colleague you talk to them about your concerns.

If someone tells you they are affected by domestic and family violence you are not expected to be a counsellor but you should listen to what they tell you.  It is important to remember that people affected by domestic and family violence need support and validation, not judgment.

Where an employee has expressed a concern about their safety in the workplace or would like to consider the support available to them, encourage the employee to raise their concerns with their line manager or contact one of the many domestic and family violence support services, including Benestar – Employee Assistance Provider.

Line managers may utilise the Workplace risk identifier and safety plan tool (DOC 451 kB), which is designed for the employee and their manager to work through to identify actions that can be taken to address risks and support the employee to maintain their safety, as well as the safety of others, in the workplace. If you are unsure how to respond to an employee or need assistance completing the tool, contact your local human resource representative for advice.

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of the employee (or other employees) in the workplace, report any threats of violence to your manager/supervisor, site security personnel or the police.

If someone tells you they are affected by domestic and family violence you are not expected to be a counsellor in this situation and should refer your colleague to an external support provider for support and/or counselling.

The section on this site titled domestic and family violence support and resources provides information on the external support organisations that you can refer colleagues to.

While you should encourage the employee to contact a support, it is their decision whether to do so or not.