Centre for Non-Violence Responding to Personal Crises in the Workplace - Family Violence Information Session Presenter: Cate Maloney Client Services

Information session overview: What is family violence (definition, key indicators and prevalence) What are the potential role and responsibilities of organisations in responding to family violence in the workplace What can you do within your organisational environments?

Defining family violence in Victoria The Family Violence Protection Act 2008 is any act towards a family member that does that following: 1) Behaviour that is: Physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically or economically abusive Threatening or coercive Controls or dominates Causes fear for the safety or well-being of themselves or another person 2) Behaviour that causes a child to hear, witness or otherwise be exposed to the effects of any behaviour referred to above. Family Violence Protection Act 2008 Legal definition – all inclusive 3

Domestic Violence it’s not just physical Physical – Kicking, pushing, punching, slapping, hitting Intimidation – Threats, standing over, smashing things Social – Isolation, not allowing partner to friends and family Sexual – Rape, making someone unwillingly do a sexual act, pornography, make up and keep the peace sex, sexual pressure Financial – Not allowing someone to work, taking control of money Emotional – Name calling, put downs, humiliating and degrading comments Spiritual – not allowing someone to practice their beliefs and forced beliefs Stalking – following, tracking, checking emails/social media/phone messages/diaries

CNV Integrated Client Services: Key entry points & referral pathways Consent: Obtain consent Referral from employer with consent Meet with client at CNV or other setting Obtain Phone Number and the best time to call Safety planning Offer ongoing support Follow up appointment CNV will call client

Indicators of family violence present? NO No action required YES Ask questions to detect family violence NO Person discloses family violence Respect person’s answers and provide information about help that is available if they ever find themselves in a family violence situation Prompts – what are some questions you could ask? What to do if a person discloses violence Immediate danger If in immediate danger and person IS willing to receive assistance, refer to Police and/or Specialist Family Violence service for full assessment If in immediate danger but person NOT willing to receive assistance, consider referral to Police If not in immediate danger and person NOT willing to receive assistance, provide information about help that is available and monitor closely

Children are involved YES NO No other action required Are children at risk? Concern for child’s wellbeing? YES YES No Refer to Child Protection Refer to Child FIRST Monitor situation

Male victims of family violence All violence is wrong, regardless of the sex of the victim or perpetrator. But there are distinct patterns in the perpetration and impact of some of the most common forms of violence in Australia that point to gender being a key factor. The overwhelming majority of acts of domestic violence and sexual assault are perpetrated by men against women, and where men experience violence in their relationship, it is still most likely to be at the hands of a male. This doesn’t negate the experiences of men who are victims of violence in their relationships. But it does point to the need for an approach that looks honestly at what the research is telling us, and addresses the gendered dynamics of family violence.

What can you do within workplace environments to respond to family violence and create gender equity? Employee Assistance Program and supports Policies Training/education Resources and messaging around the workplace Participate in prevention activities Better identify and respond to family violence Build relationships with specialist family violence services (referrals, secondary consults and partnerships) Advertise EAP and available supports Policies - Gender equity and Family Violence Clause and leave Training/education (have a key contact, bystander training, responding to disclosures training) Participate in prevention activities (eg. Celebrate International Women’s Day, 16 days of Activism) Examples of organisations that have implemented policies and practice Bendigo Health (Strengthening Hospital Responses), Coliban Water and City of Greater Bendigo (training for all staff)

Key contact and referrals Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria Key contact and referrals Emergency 000 – for emergency assistance for police, fire or ambulance 1800 RESPECT (National) www.1800respect.org.au Safe Steps Family Violence Response Centre (Victoria) 24/7 crisis support for women and children - 1800 015 188 www.safesteps.org.au Men’s Referral Service 1 300 766 491 www.mrs.org.au The lookout www.thelookout.org.au