Domestic and family violence (DFV) isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace issue. With DFV costing the Australian economy approximately $22 billion each year, employers simply can’t afford to ignore it.
Many of us like to think of home and work as two separate worlds—but for those experiencing DFV, the lines blur. Work can become a rare safe haven—a space where someone can feel physically secure, build supportive social connections, and maintain a sense of financial independence. For many, it’s a lifeline that helps shift them from victim to survivor.
But it’s not always easy. People are often fearful of raising this issue at work. They worry about being judged, misunderstood, or even losing their job—which is, unfortunately, a very real outcome. A significant number of DFV victims have lost employment at least in part due to the violence they face. This could be from needing time off, struggling to focus, or being less present at work—understandable impacts that can lead to absenteeism or presenteeism.
When workplaces don’t have an effective approach in place, everyone loses. But when they do? The benefits are profound.
Employers who take DFV seriously don’t just support individual recovery—they also reduce disruption, protect productivity, and build a culture of connection, safety, and inclusion. It’s a powerful message to your people: “You matter. We care.”
At the end of the day, supporting employees impacted by DFV is simply the right thing to do. If your workplace isn’t sure where to start, or how to create a relevant, expert-led response that actually works, WorkHaven is here to help.
Because when it comes to domestic and family violence, doing nothing is far more costly than taking action.
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