Domestic and family violence is a critical issue that not only affects individuals but also has significant implications for businesses. With recent legislative changes and growing awareness of domestic violence’s impact on society and the workplace, it’s crucial for businesses to understand their role in supporting employees affected by domestic and family violence and to comply with evolving legal obligations.
Domestic and family violence doesn’t end when an employee comes to work. It often follows them, manifesting in absenteeism, reduced productivity and emotional distress. Businesses may also face safety risks if perpetrators of violence target victims at the workplace. Addressing family violence is not only a social responsibility but a business imperative to ensure the safety, wellbeing and retention of employees.
The Fair Work Commission outlines protections for employees experiencing family or domestic violence. Under these protections, employees cannot be dismissed or discriminated against because of their need to address domestic or family violence. They also have the right to request flexible working arrangements if they are experiencing violence or need to care for someone affected by it. These general protections ensure that employees are not penalised for taking steps to safeguard themselves or their family.
Businesses should be aware that failure to comply with these protections can lead to legal consequences, making it essential for employers to familiarise themselves with the Fair Work guidelines regarding family violence in the workplace.
A supportive workplace culture plays a crucial role in how businesses respond to domestic and family violence. The Victorian Government’s guidelines on domestic and family violence leave policy considerations offer valuable insight into how businesses can develop policies that protect and support employees.
Key elements of a domestic and family violence support policy include:
These resources may be included in a policy or workplace support plan.
The following list is not exhaustive and other agencies may exist that provide similar services.
Berry Street helps children, young people and families impacted by abuse, violence and neglect. Berry Street provides a diverse range of services including therapeutic programs:
Information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live (24 hours):
A voluntary non-legal court support service operating throughout Victoria and Queensland. The service provides support, information and referral to people attending court, and advocates for the needs of all court users:
Dardi Munwurro is a statewide Aboriginal organisation delivering a range of family violence, healing and behaviour change programs and services, to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma with Aboriginal men, their partners, families and communities, by empowering and inspiring individuals to heal the past, acknowledge the present and create a positive vision for the future:
Advice and assistance for Aboriginal women experiencing family violence now or in the past, including specialist wrap around legal services, case management and counselling, with cultural connection and practical support provided by the Koori Women’s Place:
Supporting families and individuals with family support interventions, including women exiting prison:
EMH provides refuge and family violence support for all Aboriginal women and their children including Sistagirls, trans women and anyone who identifies as non-binary. They also support non-Aboriginal people with Aboriginal (ex)partners:
A statewide service that provides services, programs and responses to issues of family violence in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities:
Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25:
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services:
A 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for men with emotional health and relationship concerns, including male victims of family violence and perpetrators of family violence:
No to Violence provides telephone counselling, workplace development and training, policy advice and advocacy to end men’s use of family violence:
Our Watch has been established to drive nation-wide change in culture, behaviours and attitudes that lead to violence against women and children:
This service is provided by Animal Aid and Eastern Domestic Violence Outreach Service (EDVOS) and can assist in emergency situations. You must obtain a referral from a caseworker through EDVOS, an emergency housing program or a community health service:
The Sexual Assault Crisis Line Victoria (SACL) is a statewide, after-hours, confidential, telephone crisis counselling service for victim/survivors of both past and recent sexual assault.
A free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and for families who need extra support with the care of children:
The Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) is a statewide Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation (ACCO) servicing children, young people, families, and community members.
VACCA provide more than 50 programs including for children and families, youth services, community support, family violence and justice support:
Victoria Legal Aid can assist with free information about family violence intervention orders:
Phone advice and appointments available to women in Victoria who are in need of legal advice, information or referral, irrespective of income or assets:
Content reviewed February 2026
