The #metoo movement, major sporting events and the Royal Commission into Child Sexual Abuse have triggered huge demand for help from the nation's peak sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service 1800RESPECT.
With this increased awareness, it’s time more organisations recognise that domestic and family violence is a community problem, and companies have a role to play in offering access to the support their employees need.
Our data shows an increase of almost 70% in people reaching out following the beginning of the #metoo movement, with major sporting events also a trigger – such as the recent AFL and NRL Grand Final weekend which saw calls and web chats rise by 10%. These men who choose to use violence are not ‘good blokes’ who snap, they are men who hold deeply ingrained and disrespectful views of women.
The reality is that the overwhelming majority of violence is committed by men – 95% of all victims (both males and females) experienced violence from a male perpetrator. I do acknowledge not all men are violent, but all men need to join with everyone to call out their male friends, colleagues, and family members about sexist attitudes and putting down women, which is at the very root of all violence against women.
Since introducing our domestic and family violence leave last November, offering access to counselling and uncapped paid leave, 25 of our employees have taken this up – double the number from the previous year. We’ve found each case is by its nature complicated and often overwhelming for the person needing help.
We are learning more and more about domestic and family violence support as we go. We’re looking at ways we can further support people leaders and employees to manage workloads in situations where domestic and family violence leave is being taken.
NAB, Telstra, Virgin Australia and PwC also offer paid domestic violence leave, and we’ve had other companies approach us about how we’ve done it, wanting to roll it out themselves for their employees.
Not only do we employ people who are experiencing, or are at risk of sexual assault, domestic and family violence, we may employ those who use violence. It is important we are also able to help those employees to stop the cycle of violence, so we also offer them support, with referrals to counselling and other appropriate services.
Medibank is in a unique position to highlight these issues because we deliver the 1800RESPECT service on behalf of the Australian Government. Our colleagues at 1800RESPECT are taking calls and answering web chats every day from Australians in devastating and complex situations, doing an incredible job supporting people, providing information, referrals and counselling. It’s not an easy job, but it is critically important work, and I thank them all for their dedication to supporting Australians experiencing violence.
I know this conversation may make some of you uncomfortable. But it is a really important conversation for us to have, even if you don’t like what is being said. Part of raising awareness of this issue is having uncomfortable conversations, listening and learning.
I encourage you to talk with your colleagues, family and friends – and start the conversation as a nation we need to have.
Importantly, if you are experiencing violence or know someone who is, please reach out for support to services like 1800RESPECT.
