On the International Day for the Prevention of Violence Against Women, unions launched a new workplace resource, Working From Home When Home Isn’t Safe: Responding to Family and Domestic Violence in Homebased Workplaces.

As well as changing how many people work, COVID-19 has led to increased physical isolation, financial stress, higher levels of unemployment, under employment, increased workload with no extra pay, increased alcohol and drug use and an increase in domestic and family violence.

The cultural shift to working from home has not reduced the importance of work health and safety (WHS) principles and obligations. Under WHS laws, employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of workers, minimize risks and consult with workers when workers are working from home. The vital role of workplaces in preventing and responding to family and domestic violence is just as important when workers are working from home. Domestic violence remains a workplace issue.

Working From Home When Home Isn’t Safe: Responding to Family and Domestic Violence in Homebased Workplaces is an initiative of Australian Services Union NSW & ACT (Services) Branch and Unions NSW in conjunction with Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia.

The guide provides practical strategies and resources to enable the appropriate steps and strategies are implemented to ensure moving employees to working from home does not place them at an increased risk of family violence in what is now their workplace, detailing how to:

• Identify warning signs and cues that colleagues working from home may be at risk;
• Support your colleagues experiencing family-based violence;
• Have your employer develop an organisational response;
• Find services to provide support;
• Enroll in training with Rape and Domestic Violence Australia.

An electronic copy can be downloaded here.