Queensland businesses say no to domestic violence

Some of Queensland’s biggest businesses, not for profit organisations, and community groups have met for a corporate breakfast today to launch Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer said it was great to see so many businesses here in Queensland taking a stand against violence in our homes, communities and workplaces.

“Every May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, and it’s a time for us to recommit to standing against violence and to say not now, not ever,” she said.

“This year, we also want to send a message into every corner of the state, and ask what can you do to help prevent domestic and family violence?

“Everyone can do something, whether it’s government, individuals, community groups or businesses.

“Workplaces in particular have an important role to play and there are many ways you can start.

“It doesn’t have to be something big, you can start with something as simple as holding a morning tea or handing out stickers to everyone in the office for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

“Flexible working arrangements or DV leave especially can help employees affected by violence, to give them space to seek assistance and rebuild their lives.

“You can do something more complex like developing a company-wide domestic violence policy, but the important message is that wherever you start, whatever you choose to start with, you can be part of the solution.

“Today, I’m calling on the business and community sector to join with us to help make workplaces supportive, to support the sector in any way they can, and to use their voices as community leaders to change the conversation.”

Today’s breakfast at Brisbane’s Queensland University of Technology was sponsored by Telstra, a company that is committed to making a positive difference in the community for women who are escaping domestic and family violence.

Telstra’s General Manager of Queensland Government business Gaven Nicholls said they supported people who are impacted by domestic violence both in the community and in the workplace.

“Telstra is proud to be a White Ribbon accredited workplace, offering up to 10 days of leave annually for employees who are experiencing family and domestic violence and we have shown our support for survivors of domestic and family violence particularly through our Telstra Safe Connections Program,” he said.

“This program has been running since 2014 and helps women who are impacted by domestic violence to stay safely connected by providing them with smartphones, pre-paid credit and information on the safe use of technology.”

Australia’s CEO Challenge Chief Executive Jacque Lachmund said their organisation delivers workplace training programs to support those affected by domestic and family violence.

“We know workplaces can save and transform lives,” she said.

“Two thirds of women living with domestic and family violence are employed.

“That’s why workplace domestic violence prevention programs are so important – they ensure managers and employees are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of domestic and family violence in the workplace and understand how to respond and refer appropriately.

“As well as workplace training programs, Australia's CEO Challenge creates partnerships between businesses and frontline support services, so that those affected have access to support when needed.

“The combination of partnerships and workplace awareness not only transforms lives, it saves lives.”

Ms Farmer said today was just the beginning of a month of events aimed at raising community awareness of domestic and family violence.

“We’ve funded 32 organisations across Queensland to hold events to raise awareness, and to come together as a community to stand against domestic violence,” she said.

“Domestic and family violence affects every community in this state, and far too many lives have been lost.

“Together, we can change that – everyone can do something.”

Information about all events can be found at https://www.csyw.qld.gov.au/swe/domestic-family-violence-prevention-month/events-calendar

ENDS

Media Contact: Cat Milton 0447 117 132