ANZ launches Domestic Violence support for staff across Pacific on International Women’s Day

While domestic violence is not limited to any particular group, data shows that women are overwhelmingly more likely to be victims of physical, sexual and other forms of violence by a partner.

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific, Sarah Stubbings, said: “Domestic or family violence is a widespread social problem that affects people from all walks of life regardless of ethnicity, religion, sexuality or socioeconomic status.

“As a major employer across the Pacific, we believe it is important for ANZ to have support in place for our people affected by domestic violence,” Ms Stubbings said.

A new platform is being made available to ANZ staff affected by domestic violence, to make applications for two new financialgrants easy to access. These benefits will complement comprehensive support that is already available for our staff across the Pacific.

Support available at ANZ includes:

1. Flexible working arrangements

2. 10 days of paid Special Leave each year

3. Temporary or Emergency Housing Assistance

4. Legal Advice Assistance

Additional measures that could also be used include:

■Accessi■g the Employee Assistance Program for free and confidential counselling

■A●teri■g the employee’s work telephone number

■Removi■g employees contact details from internal listings.

“No matter where you live in the world, everyone deserves a home that is safe and free from violence.

“Domestic violence is often a hidden problem across the Pacific.

“We want to remove the stigma and have the right support in place for our people,” Ms Stubbings said.