Workplace package for domestic and family violence
Domestic and family violence (DFV) can impact a person’s safety, wellbeing, attendance, and performance at work.
As Queensland’s largest employer, we contribute towards ending DFV by:
- preventing violence
- supporting affected employees
- building a culture of respect and gender equity.
We developed a DFV workplace package to strengthen support for affected employees. It also contributes to the workforce-related actions in:
- Not Now, Not Ever taskforce report
- Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 and Action Plans
- Queensland Violence against Women Prevention Plan 2016–22
- Gender Equity Strategy 2015–2020
- Inclusion and Diversity Strategy 2015–2020
- Positive and healthy workplace cultures
It includes:
- whole-of-government DFV directive
- model policy template
- leadership pledge
- e-learning program
- support and referral resources
- communication toolkit
- workplace partners
We encourage local government, business, and non-government organisations (NGOs) to adopt the package to suit the needs of their workplace.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and supported in the workplace.
Whole-of-government DFV directive
Directive 04/15 – Support for employees affected by domestic and family violence details support options available in our workplace:
- a minimum of 10 days paid DFV leave
- flexible work arrangements
- reasonable workplace adjustments
- counselling through our employee assistance programs (EAP).
The directive provides Queensland Government employees with more favourable entitlements than the minimum safety net entitlements for state and local government employees outlined in the Industrial Relations Act 2016.
Learn more about how to apply the directive.
Model policy template
We encourage workplaces to implement a DFV policy to support employees affected by DFV.
Download the model policy template.
Leadership pledge
We encourage leaders to sign a pledge to show their commitment to ending DFV, and to display in workplaces.
Download the leadership pledge template .
Recognise, Respond, Refer e-learning program
Employees can increase their understanding of DFV and how to support affected colleagues by completing the online Recognise, Respond, Refer program developed by Australia’s CEO Challenge in partnership with the Queensland Government.
The program offers insight into how to deal with situations related to DFV that may arise in the workplace.
Contact your local human resource team for more information.
Support options and resources
Employees
- Learn more about DFV
- How to refer and connect affected employees to support
- Learn how to support employees affected by domestic and family violence in the workplace
- Find out about our whole-of-government domestic and family violence resources
Managers
- How to apply the DFV directive
- How to conduct a DFV risk assessment and develop a workplace safety plan
- Learn how to have conversations with employees affected by domestic and family violence
Agencies and workplaces
- Watch the domestic and family violence and the workplace video
- Learn more about a comprehensive workplace approach to employees who use or may use violence and abuse
- How workplaces can implement comprehensive responses to DFV
- Learn about the Queensland Government's workplace response
- Learn more about organisational best practice and innovation
- Find out about our multi-agency approach to White Ribbon Australia Workplace Accreditation
- Learn more about social procurement (relating to DFV) when buying for Queensland Government
Communication toolkit
These resources raise awareness of DFV prevention and support options for affected employees:
- White Ribbon Australia leadership oath poster
- White Ribbon Australia staff oath poster
- workplace key messages
- EAP poster Davidson Trahaire Corpsych (DTC)
- EAP poster OPTUM
- screensaver Not Now, Not Ever
- screensaver Recognise, Respond, Refer e-learning program
- Not Now Not Ever campaign – workplaces
