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Domestic and family violence policy to create safer workplace
DLA Piper Australia has introduced a number of measures to create a safer workplace, including a new policy around domestic and family violence.
Naomi Neilson
Under a new domestic and family violence policy, a law firm has enhanced its support for victims as part of a new initiative to foster safe and supportive workplaces.
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Within a Domestic and Family Violence and Sexual Assault Policy, DLA Piper Australia intends to create a safe working environment while lifting the stigma around victims. It is estimated 800,000 working Australian women are experiencing this violence.
Managing partner in Australia Amber Matthews said that for many people experiencing violence or sexual assault, workplaces are often the only safe outlets.
“Work is critical to their financial independence and is one of the few places they can access without causing suspicion or anger,” Ms Matthews said. “Our new policy aims to lift the stigma and increase the sense of safety our workplace can provide.”
Included in the policy is unrestricted paid leave for anyone experiencing domestic and family violence or sexual assault to find safe housing and reorganise personal affairs. Up to 10 days paid leave to support friends or family members is also available.
The policy has included an option for financial support of up to $1,200 and counselling along with flexible working options.
DLA’s diversity and inclusion manager, Nicole Vongdara, said that a significant number of Australian workplaces are impacted by domestic and family violence.
“We are committed to ensuring DLA Piper is a safe and supportive environment and playing our part in addressing this important societal issue,” Ms Vongdara said.
In addition, DLA has designed SPEAK, a mental health and wellbeing program to help staff with skills and confidence to have conversations around mental health.
It comes as DLA enhances parental leave offerings, such as increasing paid leave to 18 weeks with flexibility. Superannuation contributions will continue during the unpaid component of parental leave up to 12 months.
Ms Vongdara said the new approach to parental leave will create gender balance in the workplace, “by removing references to gender and actively encouraging our men and non-birth parents to take this leave” and encouraging all staff to participate in the day-to-day parenting of a new child during the crucial early months of the child’s life.
