Flourish eMAG Apr 25 - Flipbook - Page 31
Understandably it is often a very
stressful experience for individuals
from start to finish. That’s why
Converge recommends making
Witness Support available to
individuals in the lead up to a
hearing (when people can feel
particularly heightened), on the day
of giving evidence (in person if
required), and also afterwards to
download and assist them to switch
off and move forward.
Witness Support In The
Workplace: Minimising
Psychosocial Risk
There is a scenario where this type
of support can be naturally
extended and utilised more
frequently in almost any workplace:
to support individuals involved with
internal investigations. With
psychosocial risk legislation now in
place for most states and territories
of Australia*, and a general trend of
increasing numbers of claims for
bullying, harassment, workplace
violence and exposure to traumatic
events, the number of workplace
investigations is also on the rise.
the complainant, the respondent,
witnesses, managers overseeing any
of the previous parties, and of
course the investigators
themselves…
Complainant (can be one or
more persons) – may be feeling
aggrieved, fearful, upset,
overwhelmed, and having to
navigate a process they’ve often
never faced before.
Respondent (can also be one or
more persons) – may be
surprised or shocked by
allegations, may also experience
similar emotional responses to
those mentioned above.
Witnesses – may or may not be
directly involved or exposed to
scenarios / behaviours but can
still be impacted vicariously.
Managers – overseeing
complainants and respondents,
potentially being a support
person and sometimes involved
in the investigations process.
Investigators – may be impacted
in terms of vicarious trauma, or
the cumulative effect of dealing
with stress of investigations.
How Converge Can Support You With Witness & Investigation Support
Converge is well-equipped to support any or all of these parties, keeping in mind that we will take
measures to ensure that if multiple parties from a particular investigation choose to participate, they
will be supported by different consultants so there is no conflict of interest.
Similar to Witness Support we make Investigations support available to individuals in the lead up to an
interview, on the day, and also afterwards until they receive an outcome or the investigation is
finalised. Investigators may choose to engage with the service at any time, rather than aligned to a
particular investigation’s timeline, if required. Qualitative feedback from the service is that it’s a very
valuable service to assist people with navigating the emotional challenges of investigations.
*Victoria is the only state outstanding, with legislation taking effect from 1 December 2025,
