The National Retail Association and the Palaszczuk Government are teaming up to launch a Domestic Violence Retailer Support Program to assist small to medium businesses in addressing domestic and family violence.
Retailers can play a part in combatting domestic and family violence, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Retail has always been one of the biggest employers of women in Australia and women represent the vast majority of those affected by domestic violence,” says CEO of the National Retailers Association, Dominique Lamb.
Ms Lamb also highlights that domestic violence, is not only a community issue, but a workplace issue as well, as experiencing domestic violence can impact a staff member’s ability to do their job and can even create risk at the workplace.
“…In fact, the need for additional resources and support is even more critical, with evidence of domestic and family violence reports increasing due to isolation,” explains Ms Lamb.
A $100,000 investment by the Palaszczuk Government for the Program is aimed to strengthen and support businesses to respond to the needs of their workforces.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Di Farmer says, “With women making up more than half of the 1.2 million people employed in retail across Australia, there is a real need to equip businesses with the tools they need to address domestic violence.”
“Too many workers lose their jobs as a result of domestic violence. That number can be reduced if we work together to educate workplaces on how they can support their workers.”
Ms Farmer emphasises that the investment will, “… help boost awareness among employees of what domestic and family violence is and how they can get help if they need it.”
What’s involved
The Domestic Violence Retailer Support Program includes a dedicated website, hotline, webinars, podcasts and online campaign aimed at educating Queensland retailers, particularly small to medium sized businesses, about how domestic violence can impact the workplace, and provide tools and resources to help businesses address and respond to this issue.
For more information, retailers should visit the website at dvretail.com.au or call the NRA’s hotline on 1800 445 522.
If you are the victim or perpetrator of domestic or family violence:
- In an emergency, call the police on Triple Zero (000)
- DVConnect Womensline – phone 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)
- DVConnect Mensline – phone 1800 600 636 (9am to 12 midnight, 7 days per week).