Workplace can act on brutality at home

Westpac first organisation to earn DVFREE Tick, which recognises bank’s domestic violence programme

New Zealand employers wouldn’t allow their workers to be slapped, sworn at, or spat on in the workplace — the idea’s unthinkable. But do employers know how many of those workers are getting that same treatment when they head home at night? It’s an uncomfortable question.

Once upon a time, we at Westpac didn’t think domestic violence was our problem as an employer. But more recently we have come to realise it should be treated as a workplace issue.

Firstly, because as employers we should care about the overall health and safety of our people, and be conscious that what can happen at home can affect them at work.

Secondly, because the workplace has an important role to play as a safe environment where those affected can reach out for help.

Unfortunately, research shows New Zealand women have a relatively high probability of being physically or sexually abused by a partner or ex-partner in their lifetime.

Equally worrying is the number of women who are affected by psychological abuse, such as their partner controlling their money, their movements, or what they can wear.

Although it is an issue that doesn’t affect only women, for a business like ours, which employs more than 2700 women, family violence is a real and serious issue for several of our staff.

It is a problem that can be hard to get to grips with, because it is one that lives in the shadows, and that people don’t like to talk about.

Even once detected, it can be very hard to broach with those involved. We believe businesses have a role in helping bring the issue into the light, and supporting those affected.

Where we at Westpac started was by trying to create a safe and supportive environment for employees to raise issues around domestic violence.

This meant a comprehensive overhaul of our workplace policies and practices, focused on increasing staff awareness of different types of violence — physical and psychological.

We collaborated with domestic violence support charity Shine to ensure our approach followed best practice and have now been formally recognised as New Zealand’s first For video go to nzherald.co.nz/ business