UN report profiles some of our best
On Tuesday 5 December 2017, the UN Women National Committee Australia, joined by representatives from business, government and the community sector, launched a new global report, Taking the first step: Workplace responses to domestic and family violence.
The report highlights the significance of domestic and family violence (DFV) as a workplace issue, profiling the efforts of 13 Australian organisations across diverse industries, including Queensland Government. It profiles promising workplace practice, policies and responses to DFV, with the goal of helping other organisations take the first step to protect and support employees experiencing violence.
The report recognises the adverse impact DFV has on employees and workplaces, through reduced performance and productivity, absenteeism, employee turnover and the potential for a negative reputational impact.
The workplace presents a unique opportunity to help women who may be living with violence at home, to identify the problem and assist with seeking help. The Regional Office for UN Women commended the Queensland Government for its commitment to providing support to employees affected by violence, and for its ongoing collaboration with key organisations (national and state), to stop violence before it starts.