Using evidence to create a workplace approach to prevent Domestic and Family Violence

Jun 27, 2022 | Blogs, community, DFV, DFV leadership, domesic violence, domestic and family violence, meaningful difference, take a stand, workhaven, workplace approach to DFV, workplace domestic violence

WorkHaven specialises in supporting workplaces to address Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) in a meaningful and effective way. We work with clients to embed understanding and connection within their organisations, and we create resources and solutions to provide genuine, workable support for people who are impacted.

Domestic and Family Violence is a human issue, and the complexities are hard to explain or define using numeric data. But the statistics relating to DFV enable us to draw a picture about the prevalence and scale of the problem, and can assist in identifying gaps in support to help inform better solutions.

When delivering training or awareness activities, we share the statistics about DFV and its impacts. These numbers are sobering (for example, approximately one quarter of women in Australia has experienced at least one incident of violence by an intimate partner*), and these statistics enable our audience to understand more about this issue and can compel them to take action.

WorkHaven’s motto is “If it doesn’t make a genuine, positive difference, we don’t do it”, and so we also capture data to monitor the efficacy of the services we deliver, including the uptake of support, levels of awareness and confidence amongst staff to lean in and have a conversation about DFV. This information helps us better shape our activities to ensure we are making a tangible difference towards reducing the impact and incidence of DFV. If the data reflects room for improvement, we identify any issues and update our solutions accordingly. The data also helps illustrate our value to clients.

However, as I mentioned above, it is important to remember that DFV is complex, varied and personal, and we cannot make all our decisions based on data. Every week, we hear stories about DFV from people who have experienced it, and these insights and feedback are invaluable. The DFV survivors who participate in these conversations come from a broad background of experience and circumstance, and the similarities and differences of their stories are all important to better understand DFV, and to develop resources and initiatives to help workplaces address this traumatic and difficult situation.

So to summarise, well-informed data plus anecdotal and qualitative research, coupled with insights and experience from specialist DFV services are all key ingredients to shape an approach and deliver the best possible support for those who are impacted by DFV. 

*2016 Personal Safety Survey (ABS, 2017)