Domestic and family violence resources for businesses
Millions of Australians experience domestic and family violence (DFV) every year. Be aware that it can affect your employees or customers.
As a small business owner, it's important that you are prepared to manage workplace situations that involve domestic and family violence and to assist your employees or customers to reach out for help.
Learn more about the signs and patterns of domestic and family violence.
DFV resources for employers
- Domestic and family violence – supporting someone in the workplace – Queensland Government's website includes information about domestic and family violence leave and White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation.
- Employer guide to family and domestic violence by the Fair Work Ombudsman, including:
- a checklist for managing domestic and family violence issues in the workplace
- employers' legal obligations
- suggested approach to supporting employees and starting a conversation
- how to develop a workplace response to domestic and family violence
- domestic and family violence leave entitlements.
- Not now, not ever. Together by the Department of Justice and Attorney General, read about:
- what your organisation can do to put an end to domestic and family violence in your workplace or to support the broader community
- ways to improve your workplace through training and expert advice
- what other businesses have done to support their staff and prevent violence.
- Domestic and family violence support for Queensland Government employees – available for local government, businesses and non-government organisations to tailor to their workplace.
- Domestic and family violence – what it means in the workplace from the Business Chamber Queensland – download the report to understand what DFV means for employees and how to address it in the workplace.
- Domestic violence retailer support hub by the National Retail Association – these resources can be adapted to small businesses in other industries.
DFV training and workshops
Consider DFV training and workshop options that are available to you and your staff:
| Training and workshops | Details |
|---|---|
| DV-alert – Recognise, Respond, Refer training and workshops | Free, nationally accredited and non-accredited training options to help frontline workers recognise the signs of domestic and family violence and refer to support services |
| DFV Work Aware | Comprehensive workplace training, tailored to the business needs |
Financial assistance
Contact these providers for DFV financial assistance:
| Support | Phone/hours | Assistance available |
|---|---|---|
| National Debt Helpline | 1800 007 007 | Contact a counsellor for financial advice |
| Good Shepherd | 13 64 57 | Government funded domestic violence no interest loans of up to $2,000 |
DFV support and where to get help
Note: If you are in immediate danger, phone Triple Zero (000) for police and ambulance assistance.
The Domestic and family violence website has a range of resources and support designed to help employers and people experiencing or impacted by DFV, including:
- what is domestic and family violence? – learn about the signs and patterns of DFV and related abuse
- where to get help – access a wide range of support services including how to report violence and abuse
- other support – including general medical support, mental health and translation services
- I want to help someone – how to help someone in a domestic violence situation
- legal help – understanding your rights and how to protect yourself
- how to stay safe, including online safety planning.
Also consider…
- Learn what you can do in the workplace to end domestic and family violence.
- Use the Find local support service finder to locate domestic and family violence support near you.
- Find domestic and family violence helplines.
- Learn about work-related violence from WorkSafe Queensland.