We all deserve safety, respect and the opportunity to thrive, wherever we live, work and play. But for some of us, home is not always a safe place.
Wednesday 10 May is, Are you safe at home? Day, a day which provides the opportunity to ask someone in your life ‘Are you safe at home?’.
At Monash Health, we all have a role in recognising and responding to family violence. Most people experiencing family violence will reach out to a friend, family member or colleague at some point.
Glenda Bawden, Principal Strategic Advisor, Family Violence says, “you don’t need to be an expert, but if you are aware of the signs and take the steps to educate yourself, you can make a difference.”
Not sure where to start?
You may be the one to notice that something isn’t right, and you can play a crucial role in identifying and supporting the people you know and care about. You don’t have to be an expert.
Safe + Equal and Family Violence Victoria (FSV) have partnered to develop a series of videos to raise awareness and give viewers the skills and confidence to respond.
Register to attend the Safe+Equal – Are You Safe at Home? Day webinar on 10 May
Join a conversation exploring the crucial role colleagues and workplaces play in recognising and responding to family violence. This webinar is open to anyone who wants to know more about having safe and respectful conversations about family violence at work.
Starting a conversation
You can start small by opening up the conversation, in a private and safe environment. Listen and offer your support. Open with a general statement, then a framing statement:
- How are you going?
- I noticed that you seem to be quite withdrawn from the team and a bit distracted at work — is everything OK?
- Are things troubling you at work or home?
- Are you safe at home?
“If the person is not comfortable having a conversation, leave it, but let them know you are available if they do want to talk.”
Resources to support you
Visit our Respectful Relationships and Family Violence page for resources to help employees impacted by family violence, along with information to ensure employees can identify, respond and provide advice to help keep people safe.
Prompt
- Managers – Download the Family violence manager’s guide to supporting our employees
- Recommended Support Services
- Decision Making Flowchart (page 19)
Intranet
Family Violence support
- Employee Assistance Program (1300 338 465)
- People and Culture Business Partner via the advice line on (03) 9265 2724 or email hradvice@monashhealth.org
- Call 1800RESPECT
- Contact our Family Violence Team, Christine Power on 0466 826 120 or see Family Violence intranet pages
Approved by Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis, Executive Director, Nursing and Midwifery