Increasing our Family and Domestic Violence Support

What is family and domestic violence?

 

Family and domestic violence (FDV) occurs when one person in a relationship uses violence and abuse to maintain power and control over others.

This can include behaviour that is physically, sexually, emotionally, psychologically, or economically abusive, threatening, coercive or aimed at controlling or dominating the other person through fear.

Family and domestic violence can affect people of all cultures, religions, ages, genders, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds and income levels.

Our commitment to our people

We work hard to create an environment where everyone feels supported, connected and welcomed.

This involves continuing to offer initiatives in areas that our employees communicate need for support but also for topics that are often kept quiet and stigmatised, such as menopause, gender diversity and family and domestic violence.

We know that the issues impacting people at home don’t disappear once they turn up at the office, which is why we’ve increased our support for employees experiencing or impacted by family and domestic violence.

Support at ABN Group

If an ABN Group employee or a family member is experiencing or are impacted by family and domestic violence, we have a range of support options available.

Emergency Care Support

Providing immediate assistance such as temporary accommodation support, funds for essentials, technology access and medical referrals.

Flexible working arrangements

Increased flexibility for temporary changes to working arrangements (i.e., secure parking, IT security, screening of calls, family-friendly hours, etc.).

Personal Safety Plans

Tailored safety plans created with the employee and the business to support their unique safety needs in the workplace.

Additional paid leave

Access to 15 days paid family and domestic violence leave.

Return to work supports

Similar to support for parents returning from Parental Leave, we offer additional support for returning after extended periods of leave

Specialised counselling

We offer specialised mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program, delivered by PeopleSense.

Experiences and situations will vary and as such we will work to ensure support is tailored and appropriate to each individual.

What’s next?

People send a large amount of time at work, which is why ABN Group and all other employees play an important role in helping end family and domestic violence in Australia.

Since launching our support options, we have continued offer resources and learning opportunities to employees and leaders across the business to raise awareness on key aspects, including knowing the signs of abuse and how to support those around you.

Our people have access to more information and resources on family and domestic violence on our internal network and can access support from the Emergency Care Officers across our two states.