Domestic and family violence is a workplace issue

Domestic and family violence has no place in our homes, communities or workplaces.

Queensland Health recognises domestic and family violence is a workplace issue as it can affect the safety, wellbeing, productivity and performance of all employees. Through positive action in the workplace—like increasing awareness, supporting employees affected by domestic and family violence, and promoting a gender equitable, safe, respectful workplace culture—Queensland Health can help reduce the prevalence of domestic and family violence.

Domestic and family violence can impact a person’s safety, wellbeing, attendance and performance at work. Research shows:

• two-thirds of Australian women experiencing domestic and family violence are employed
• 1 in 5 Australian women say the violence continues at work
• 95% of women with violent partners were stalked or experienced harassment at their workplace
• between 25–50% of Australian women subjected to domestic and family violence report having lost a job, at least in part due to the violence
• domestic and family violence costs the Queensland economy between $2.7 billion and $3.2 billion annually.

With 65 per cent of Queenslanders in the labour force, workplaces have a significant role to play in creating behavioural change.

Queensland Health is committed to providing workplace support to employees affected by domestic and family violence including options for leave, flexible working arrangements and access to counselling and support.

White Ribbon Australia Accredited Workplace

In support of this commitment, the Department of Health (the department), along with 12 other Queensland government agencies, participated in the White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation Program.

The White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation program accredits workplaces that promote respectful, safe and inclusive workplace cultures by taking active steps to prevent and respond to violence, and will help us to better recognise, prevent and respond to violence.

The accreditation program aligns with the department’s work to implement the recommendations of the Not Now, Not Ever: Putting an End to Domestic Violence in Queensland report.

The department was first accredited in November 2017 and gained reaccreditation in June 2021.

Where can I find help and support?

In an emergency, call police on triple zero (000).

If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence call:

• DVConnect Womensline on 1800 811 811
• DVConnect Mensline on 1800 600 63

Both services offer anonymous and confidential telephone counselling, information and referrals to a domestic and family violence specialist support service.

You can also call 1800 RESPECT phone: 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800 RESPECT website.