New research shows impact of domestic violence on work

The Public Service Association (PSA) says new research shows the impact of domestic violence on work, with over a quarter of surveyed PSA members having direct experience of domestic violence.

The Impacts of Domestic Violence on Workers and the Workplace by Margaret Thomas is based on a survey of PSA members’ experiences of domestic violence and the impact it has had on their working life.

Brenda Pilott, PSA National Secretary, said “This research clearly shows that domestic violence is a major issue impacting New Zealanders lives at work, their ability to retain jobs, and to do them well.”

“Workers need clear entitlements so they can disclose their situations to employers, confident they will get the support they need.

“Over one million Australian employees have workplace support for victims of domestic violence, and the PSA wants to see New Zealand employers follow suit.

“The PSA is proposing employers adopt protections including training for HR personnel and measures to improve safety by changing work phone numbers, time of work or worksite.

“26% of respondents had direct experience of family violence and, of those, 53% needed to take time off work and 38% said that the violence made it difficult for them to get to work.

“Previous research by economist Suzanne Sniveley showed the cost to business of domestic violence was at least $368 million per year – so taking action will save money as well as being the right thing to do,” said Brenda Pilott.

For more information
The Impacts of Domestic Violence on Workers and the Workplace by Margaret Thomas

Fact sheet: What Australian employers are doing to support victims of domestic violence

ENDS

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