Domestic Violence and Workplaces
Domestic Violence and Workplaces
Domestic violence may continue outside the home, including in the workplace. This can put everyone in the vicinity at risk – colleagues, customers, members of the public or security staff.
Domestic violence in the workplace may include:
Your partner or ex-partner making constant or harassing phone calls
Stalking you, to and from work
Making unexpected visits at work and violent outbursts, or even taking your car keys or work ID so that you are late or can’t go to work.
If you are experiencing this kind of abusive behaviour, it can affect your work performance, your safety and that of your colleagues and customers, or you could lose your job.
Experiencing domestic violence can make you feel very alone and isolated, but workplaces can be places of safety and support:
Talk to your HR department or manager. You don’t have to go into details but make them aware of what is going on for you. Make sure they understand to keep this information confidential
Block the abuser on your work phone and email
Ask to be separated from access to the public if necessary
Speak with security staff, if your workplace has them, to prevent the abuser having access to the building
Ask security to escort you to and from your car
Find out about work emergency procedures and whether there is a safe room
Work out a safety plan
Ask if your workplace offers domestic violence leave so that you can attend to things like speaking with the police, doctor’s appointments, moving house or going to court because of the violence
Some workplaces will make referrals to legal and support services
Adapted from Safe Work Australia
Remember that you have the right to feel safe at home and in the workplace. For more information, see DV Work Aware or Safe Work Australia