Domestic violence is a major national health and welfare problem in Australia. It is a social evil that can have lifelong impacts on both victims and perpetrators.
According to a 2016 Survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 2.2 million Australians have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner, whereas 3.6 million have experienced emotional abuse. Approximately 1 in 4 Australian women and 1 in 13 men have experienced some form of domestic violence since the age of 15 (ABS, 2016).
ADIs can play a role in reducing the devastating impact of domestic violence. An ADI can support employees who are experiencing domestic violence through the following actions:
Establishing policies and procedures to support victims of domestic violence;
Making provisions for leave or flexible work arrangements;
Implementing awareness raising and education programs;
Carrying out safety plans with affected employees;
Encouraging monitoring and reflection.