Training programs target domestic and family violence
18 August 2022
4
min read
Domestic and family violence (DFV) can occur in any home, community, or workplace. It does not discriminate between income, post code, job title or education.
To address the role workplaces and colleagues can have in supporting and responding to people experiencing DFV, service provider and QSuper partner, DVConnect, offer a range of workplace training programs.
QSuper is now part of Australian Retirement Trust, the super fund formed through the merger with Sunsuper. We’re one of Australia’s largest super funds and proud to take care of over $200 billion in retirement savings for more than two million members.
In early March, a group of Australian Retirement Trust employees nominated to go through this training program, including Megan, a QSuper Member Education Officer.
It was good to see a lot of the team put their hand up for this training. Especially to see men in the room, too, because this is an issue that doesn’t just affect women. Domestic and family violence affects everyone,” Megan said.
“It can be challenging for people to address and admit that they experience abuse from a partner. What DVConnect’s training did was show us how to recognise indicators of abuse, and ways to appropriately address them with a colleague we suspect to be in an abusive relationship.”
One in six female workers currently experience DFV, with flexible or work-from-home arrangements often heightening their situation, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Committed to supporting those in need
As an employer, Australian Retirement Trust recognises the need for a safe and educated workforce to remove the stigma around DFV and support those experiencing emotional, physical, mental, and financial abuse in their home.
For women living with DFV, work colleagues can be the people that they spend the most time with outside of their home. DVConnect’s training gives workplaces and employees the skills to recognise signs of potential abuse, have safe conversations, and refer on to appropriate support services.
Megan said that while she was aware of some of the current statistics surrounding DFV, the training really put into perspective what needed to change in the workplace to protect individuals who aren’t safe at home.
“I think employers should make this training available to their staff. For personal and societal reasons, as well as ensuring their business is a safe space for those in violent situations,” she said.
“It is such important training for me personally, in terms of dealing with members and communities that may be directly affected by this. I encourage everyone to take advantage of workplace training because it helps us do our job better.
“Of course, it goes beyond work. It is an awareness we can employ in our personal lives to support others external to our immediate workplace.”
What you can do
DVConnect’s DFV workplace training is available across Australia. Email training@dvconnect.org to register your interest.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of help you can contact an accredited DFV service such as DVConnect on 1800 811 811 or 1800RESPECT. If you feel your life is in danger, call 000.
The opinions expressed and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Trustee. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of any of the information supplied and you should seek advice for your circumstances.