1 in 6 women and 1 in 16 men have experienced violence by a current or previous partner.
Chances are, it's an issue impacting your workplace. Are you confident you can support employees appropriately?
Timely and important information that all workplaces should have access to. Well worth the time and resources.
Family and domestic violence (FDV) does not discriminate. It
affects all kinds of people regardless of age, education, income, ethnicity,
religion, sexual orientation or marital status. It can affect anyone and any
business.
That's why we've created FDV First Aid.
Developed by specialists, our evidence-based e-learning program empowers organisations to address family and domestic violence, from developing best practice policies and procedures to supporting employees affected by this highly stigmatised issue.
$1.9 billion
Is the annual estimated impact of FDV on the business sector. (The Cost of Violence Against Women and their Children in Australia, KPMG, 2016)
60%
Of Australian women experiencing family or domestic violence are in paid employment. (Flinders University Report prepared for the Fair Work Commission 3 November 2021)
1 in 5
Australian workers experiencing FDV report the violence continuing into the workplace. (Fair Work Employer Guide to Family and Domestic Violence)
Let's break the stigma and cycle of FDV.
As the largest specialist family and domestic violence (FDV) organisation in WA, the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence (PGCNV) has been providing a broad range of support services for people affected by domestic violence and abuse for over 30 years.
We work across the FDV continuum, including intervention measures and crisis support for families escaping violence and abuse, and we take pride in our reputation as leaders in FDV prevention.
About PGCNV Register your interest
How does FDV manifest in the workplace?
Family and domestic violence is any controlling or violent behaviour that causes fear in another person, it affects family members, partners and ex-partners.
It's ramifications can be overt or hidden in the workplace. FDV can cause higher absenteeism, a drop in employee performance and is often perpetrated using work resources such as phones to stalk or harass an employee during work hours.
No matter how FDV manifests in work environments, five things are certain:
- FDV may be dragging your culture and productivity down.
- Work is often a sanctuary and employment a way to escape FDV.
- An unhealthy culture can encourage attitudes that drive FDV.
- Safe, healthy workplaces can help address and prevent FDV.
- You can do something about it.
10 days
Paid FDV leave entitlement for workers (Fair Work Act 2009) and FDV identified as a psychosocial hazard (Work Health and Safety Act 2020).
$15.6 billion
The estimated cost to the Australian economy in 2021-22. (The Cost of Violence Against Women and their Children in Australia, KPMG, 2016)
55%
Of respondents to a 2022 survey indicated they had observed, or suspected, a colleague was experiencing FDV, 31% did not feel well equipped to help. (My Business Domestic Violence Survey, 2022)
FDV First Aid.
Address family and domestic violence with confidence.
Researched and developed by FDV-prevention specialist and educator Daphne White, FDV First Aid is an easy-to-follow, evidence-based guide for employers and employees to address domestic violence in the workplace.
The program has been designed to educate everyone on how to recognise and respond to FDV. It includes everything from practical guidance on establishing robust workplace policies and procedures to case studies and role-play responses to workplace scenarios.
One simple sign-up
Register quickly and easily online.
Two courses
E-learning programs for leaders and team members.
60 minutes
The employee course takes approximately 1 hour. The FDV First Aid Implementation guide timeframe will depend on your requirements with the entire course taking 1.5 hours
How does FDV First Aid work?
FDV First Aid is an online program provided as two engaging, workplace-appropriate courses.
The FDV Implementation guide is comprised of four modules that can be completed as appropriate for your organisation to achieve a comprehensive response to FDV. To complete the course in it's entirety as a planning and draft development exercise please allow 1.5 hours.
Split into five modules, FDV First Aid for Employees takes approximately one hour to complete and can be achieved all at once or as time and work permits. Each module uses step-by step lessons, video examples and a range of downloadable resources. Thanks to our business pilot partners, we know it works for organisations of all sizes and in all sectors.
Both courses can be completed online, or our SCORM package can be uploaded to your organisation's LMS. Tailored packages are available for organisations that would like to monitor participant progress and capture learner analytics.
I would recommend this training course to upper management as compulsory.
Course 1: FDV First Aid - Implementation Guide
This course is designed to guide executive leaders, business owners and people and culture professionals to create an appropriate and personalised workplace response to FDV for their organisation.
- Understand why FDV is a workplace issue
- Understand legislative requirements
- Develop and implement FDV safety plans, policies and procedures
- Provide safety and support for employees affected by FDV, and
- Safely manage employees who use FDV.
Course 2: Employee Course
This course engages employees in self-care, understanding FDV, and recognising and responding appropriately to colleagues who are experiencing it. Your employees will learn how to:
- Understand the different forms of FDV, their impacts and indicators
- Identify those who may be experiencing FDV and be able to respond appropriately if they choose to talk about it, and
- Refer colleagues to FDV support services, both within your organisation and externally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does FDV First Aid cost?
FDV First Aid has been designed not only for convenience but also to be affordable for businesses of any size. The pricing for the programmes varies with a one off payment of $100 for the FDV First Aid implementation guide, $40 per person for the Employee course, through to tailored packages for larger organisations. All proceeds are re-invested to support women and children accessing crisis services delivered by the Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence.
What if an employee is triggered by the content?
Our employee course includes a lesson on self-care. What's more, both FDV First Aid courses include a flyer, which provides details for accessing 24-hour support lines.
Why should I choose FDV First Aid?
FDV First Aid has been written by an FDV specialist in partnership with an FDV agency that has over 30 years expertise. Much care and attention has been given to the programme's development to ensure it is fit for purpose across all workplaces. You can trust the evidence-based information provided and feel confident that the language used is appropriate, engaging and practical for members of the community who would not knowingly have come into contact with family and domestic violence. We are acutely aware that the topic carries significant stigma and fear and we are proud to share our expertise in a way that our pilot partners have told us has been impactful in their professional capacity and beyond.
What technology do I need for FDV First Aid?
You can complete all courses online with your prefered web browser and some audio equipment (headphones or speakers) to listen to the videos.
How long does each employee course module take?
The module times vary but the employee course has 5 modules and in total takes approximately 1 hour.
FDV myth-busting.
We can only stop family and domestic violence when we understand it, so let's bust some myths and misconceptions.
MYTH: Only women experience family and domestic violence.
FACT: Family and domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of their gender identity or circumstances. We know that women are more likely to experience physical or sexual violence by a current or previous partner (1 in 6 women), but men can also experience domestic and family violence (1 in 16 men). And FDV also occurs in LGBTIQA+ relationships.
MYTH: Only physical violence is considered as family and domestic violence.
FACT: Family and domestic violence can be defined as any controlling or violent behaviour that causes emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or physical damage to a family member, partner or ex-partner, or causes them to feel fear. Many people who have experienced coercive controlling behaviours cite them as ‘the worst part' of family and domestic violence. All controlling behaviours and forms of family and domestic violence are harmful and inexcusable.
MYTH: Family and domestic violence only happens in poor, uneducated or minority families.
FACT: Family and domestic violence occurs in all types of families and households, regardless of class, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, educational level, marital status, and age.
MYTH: Family and domestic violence is usually a one-time event, an isolated incident.
FACT: Family and domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour that happens repeatedly, affecting children and families, often creating a cycle of violence that passes on through generations. It is the intentional use of behaviours and tactics designed to dominate and control another person and may escalate in frequency and severity.
Have you got a question?
Family and domestic violence is a societal problem. It demands a whole-of-community response, which includes addressing FDV in the workplace. We all have a role to play. We can all make a difference.
If you'd like more information about FDV First Aid and how you can help address the issue of family and domestic violence in Australia, please get in touch.
© 2023 Patricia Giles Centre for Non-Violence | Terms & Conditions
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the Country on which we live and work, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation, and pay our respects to aboriginal cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.
We acknowledge the courage and dignity of people who not only stand up and say no to violence but who take action to challenge violence and hold perpetrators accountable.