Critical role for business in supporting staff through domestic violence

In the lead up to White Ribbon Day on 25 November McCullough Robertson Chairman of Partners Dominic McGann has weighed in on the importance of providing support to employees affected by domestic and family violence.

The article Workplaces have role to heal victims of domestic violence written by the Convenor of the Queensland Male Champions of Change Julie McKay was published in The Courier-Mail on Thursday 24 November.

Employees at McCullough Robertson who are affected by domestic and family violence have access to vital support including up to 10 days paid special leave, counselling, enhanced security measures and help with domestic duties.

As a Queensland Male Champion of Change (QMCC) Mr McGann said business leaders had a critical role to play in bringing the issue out from behind closed doors and helping to reduce the stigma attached to domestic and family violence.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics one in three Australian women have experienced physical or sexual violence by a perpetrator known to them and two thirds of these women are in paid employment.

“Individuals affected by domestic violence are often disadvantaged in the labour market, and are more likely to have a disrupted work history,” said Mr McGann.

“The option to take paid special leave to attend court and medical appointments, for example, helps to take the pressure off a bit – alleviating the need for staff affected by domestic and family violence to use up annual leave or take time off without pay.

“Policies and clauses in workplace agreements needed to be part of a broader workplace response however.

“We talk about the problem in internal communications and we run education and awareness sessions, which will help staff recognise the signs of domestic violence and equip them with the skills needed to initiate challenging conversations with their colleagues.

“All QMCC companies have committed to implementing a comprehensive workplace response in 2017. For my part I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn and share best practice in relation to this critical issue.”

Mr McGann joined 12 of Queensland’s most prominent business and community leaders in the Queensland Leaders Stand Up campaign for White Ribbon Day 2015.

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