Myth Busting Domestic & Family Violence at Work

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Using evidence to debunk common myths and assumptions

Domestic and family violence is a critical issue in the workplace. If an employee is living with, or using, domestic and family violence, it will have an impact on the workplace through absenteeism, presenteeism and the costs of replacement hiring. Not to mention the personal impacts on those people living with family and domestic violence.

But we know from our conversations with Australian businesses, that there can still be a reluctance on the part of some organisations to address an issue that for so long was seen as something purely in the domain of the home. This resource uses evidence to tackle some common myths about domestic and family violence and provides tools and resources for Australian organisations to become leaders in prevention.

For a quick snapshot of the findingswatch the video below.

Myths and facts about domestic and family violence and work

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.

Download the Myth Buster (PDF – 3.2 MB)

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Watch the video below for a quick snapshot of the research findings.

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