ASBFEO issues family domestic violence fact sheet for small businesses

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell, released on Friday a Fast Fact on domestic family violence for small businesses.

“Violence is a workplace health and safety issue if the perpetrator of the violence harasses and stalks their victim, putting the victim’s colleagues in danger,” Ms Carnell said.

She noted that it is important that small business owners and employees understand domestic family violence, so they can provide colleagues with the support they need.

“If you think you don’t have time to develop a domestic violence policy for your workplace, remember it doesn’t need to be a 20-page document. It can be one or two pages that cover key actions you can take if you or a staff member is experiencing domestic and family violence," Ms Carnell said.

“Family violence is not discriminatory; it can happen to anyone, so it’s important that small business owners understand their obligations and have a plan of action, whether the victim is a member of staff or themselves,” she added.