SAFETY AT WORK OR ON CAMPUS
Being safe at work and at your place of study is important to ensure you are not disadvantaged to continue your employment or education after leaving violence. Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe.
Your work/study safety plan
Ask your employer to remove your contact information from name plates and directories that the public can see (in the building and on-line). Ask your supervisor to be flexible and consider changes to your work site, shifts, schedule and/or department. If you work in a place that visitors can easily see, ask to work somewhere else. Ask to be moved away from the front reception or any windows that people can look in. Make a code word so your work or study mates know to call for help on your behalf. Familiarise yourself with duress procedures: learn where help phones
If you have an ADVO, make sure it includes the work/study place. Keep a record of all incidents and how the abusive behaviour affects you, your work and your workplace. Complete a workplace/campus incident report, each time if you are threatened. Give security or reception a recent photo or description of your abuser to recognise if they come on site. Ask a co-worker or your supervisor to screen your calls. Agree on how to handle a call from the abuser. Ask for a new phone number. Block e-mail from your abuser. Check that your listed emergency contacts are up to date.
If you feel comfortable, tell your employer/education supervisor about your situation and let them know you may need support to stay safe. If you can’t talk to your direct employer/supervisor, find another staff member you can trust and ask them to support you. Create a safety plan with your manager/supervisor/trusted person. Discuss what help and protection they can provide in case your abuser comes to, or contacts, your work or study place, such as: what will help you be safer, less stressed and more supported at work/study?
what leave provisions are available. All employees are entitled to five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave each year of their employment. You can take this leave to make arrangements for your (or for a close relative’s) safety to move house, attend court hearings, or talk with police. You can also apply for sick leave, carer’s leave, annual leave and flexible working/ study arrangements.
or emergency buttons are. © Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. Make it Our Business, 2020
© Fair Work Ombudsman www.fairwork.gov.au
Fair Work Ombudsman
fairwork.gov.au/leave/family-and-domestic- violence-leave
what supports or extensions you may need to complete your work or study if you are not feeling emotionally well.
12
13
Made with FlippingBook HTML5