Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 14
Supporting your colleagues
in the workplace
For women experiencing violence
at home, getting support from their
workplace can be very helpful.
However, supporting a female staff
member who is experiencing
violence at home requires a
sensitive, supportive approach. For
example, many women
experiencing violence at home may
be shocked to be in that situation,
and they may feel shame or
embarrassment for somehow being
in that position.
Anyone experiencing violence at
home is aware of their situation.
They know what actions and
behaviours can help keep them safe
or put them in danger from the
violent person in their lives. It may
be tempting to encourage a victim
of violence to end the relationship;
however, this could create more risk
for the person or be too big a step
to contemplate without adequate
resources in place. So, if a colleague
advises they cannot safely end the
relationship, respect their decision.
How to approach a
colleague
As a work colleague, you can make
a difference by opening the
conversation using a nonjudgemental, empathic approach
that sees the woman as the expert
in her life. It is important to:
1.Create a safe and confidential
space to talk openly. Remind
them they can talk to you
without fear of judgment or
repercussions.
2.Listen and validate their
concerns and situation without
interrupting. Do not give advice.
3.Provide resources, including
information about local
domestic violence shelters,
hotlines, and counselling
services such as Employee
Assistance Programs.
4.Encourage professional support,
including counsellors trained in
domestic violence or contacting
a domestic violence hotline.
5.If your team or organisation
would like more information on
how to support work colleagues
experiencing violence at home,
organisations, including your
EAP, can offer specific training
and support on this. Such
guidance can include how to
develop policies that protect the
confidentiality of a staff member
experiencing violence at home
and how to maintain a
supportive work environment
that promotes safety, respect,
and support for all employees.
White Ribbon Day 2026 gives us
the opportunity to reflect on the
progress made and the work still
needed to end violence against
women. By engaging men and
boys, promoting gender equality,
and striving for a culture of respect,
we can take significant steps
toward a safer, more equitable
world. Everyone has a role to play
to ensure we can create lasting
change.
