Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month

Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) can happen to anyone and comes in many different forms, not just physical. It occurs when someone who is close to you:

• Stops you from doing things you want to do through manipulation and abusive behaviours (also known as coercive control);
• Hurts you or someone you care about; or
• Breaks something you care about.

It can happen in any kind of relationship:

Unfortunately, Domestic and Family Violence is common with some people at greater risk than others.  It occurs in all races, religions, genders and economic status. Women however, are disproportionally impacted by family, domestic and sexual violence and are more likely to experience violence from someone they know than by a stranger (35% vs 11%).  Furthermore, women with disability in Australia are twice as likely to have experienced sexual violence since the age of 15 years than women without disabilities.  ourwatch.org.au/quick-facts/

Help is available

1. If you are in danger or hurt, the first number to call is 000.  This is an emergency number that will get help straight away.
2. When you are not in immediate danger there are many support services including the National Service 1800 RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732 or see link to other specialised services on our intranet.
3. All Endeavour Foundation and CSG employees have access to ten days paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave per year. You can speak confidentially with a leader or your People & Wellbeing Partner to learn more about how you can access support.
4. If you need to talk to someone about what you or a colleague are experiencing, contact our Employee Assistance Program, Benestar on 1300 360 364. All conversations are confidential. You can also find Benestar resources on our intranet.

What can I do?

1. If you are supporting a co-worker or are the leader of an employee experiencing family and/or domestic violence, we encourage you to complete our Family Violence Awareness in Australia – A Workplace Issue Engage Module. The module will help you better understand how to provide appropriate support.
2. We all play a role in raising awareness and challenging harmful behaviours and misconceptions that contribute to unhealthy relationships. When we create a supportive workplace culture, we increase the likelihood of someone feeling safe to access support.