People break just as easily

By ANGELA McCARTHY

What do you do if a colleague turns up at work with a black eye having walked into a door yet again? What about the worker who is afraid of leaving the office after work, is harassed by nasty emails or ends phone calls ashen-faced or in tears?

Domestic violence is destructive not only personally, but also at work, says Betty MacLaren, planner for Safer Auckland City, a joint initiative by the Auckland City Council, Auckland Police, National Crime Prevention Unit and Ngati Whatua o Orakei.

"There are many domestic violence myths that need to be out into the open and one way to do that is by making it legitimate to talk about in the workplace," she says.

"But workers often don't speak out because of their shame and fear. Therefore they're not getting the help they need."

DVfree aims to change this. Under the programme, management takes a public position against domestic violence, ensuring workers are trained to observe warning signs, raising awareness during general training and involving workers in developing workplace safety.

DVfree pilot funding is available for six organisations and so far the Auckland City Council, Work and Income (local branches), ElderCare New Zealand and the Auckland District police have signed up, says Jennie Halliday, the DVfree co-ordinator based at the Domestic Violence Centre.

"We strongly believe it is our responsibility to enable our people to balance their work and home lives, and to provide support to those whose lives make if difficult for them to work effectively and safely," explains Avette Kelly, the council's EEO advocate and human resources adviser.

Training people to screen, assess and refer is an integral part of DVfree, says Halliday.

"The contact people refer people to agencies who deal with domestic violence and provide cards for the 24-hour centre crisisline," she explains. "They also offer support when required."

Twenty-eight of the council's staff have completed the five-hour training with two follow-up sessions at the Domestic Violence Centre scheduled soon. Another six people are about to train.

Traffic and roading senior adviser Asenati Taylor says she's helped several staff since completing training. "For example, I had someone who didn't want to speak to her male Pakeha manager because she was dealing with a cross-cultural relationship issue at home," says Taylor, who is Samoan.

Usha Raju, environments purchase officer, trained to learn about support against domestic violence at work and in the community.

"There are so many things we accept and shouldn't," she says.

"Coming from my cultural background [Indian], I found it very interesting that domestic violence is not just physical, but also about discrimination and having your rights taken away."

Human resources manager Mike Richardson says the training has increased his confidence to approach staff.

"In the past I've had situations where people were being abused and I struggled with how to raise the issue and where to refer them. Now I have the confidence to approach someone and feel it will be a positive experience."

Training includes looking at workplace security needs, such as screening phone calls and emails, or organising for security to walk people to their cars.

The council launched its DVfree programme in May using the slogan, "Eggs break easily, so do people", backed by posters, cards and information and promotional pack including an Easter egg.

The programme is being evaluated by the Auckland Institute of Technology institute of public policy and the council will help to promote it to other employers.

Organisations interested in the programme need to build a workplace culture that says domestic violence is not acceptable, says Halliday.

Before starting, she also discusses with employers factors such as time requirements and how to best introduce the programme. Staff choose themselves for training after a one-hour overview outlining domestic violence and DVfree.

"Getting buy-in at the highest level is essential," says Halliday.

Apart from being seen as a good employer, there are also other gains for organisations taking part, such as reducing stress in the workplace and improving performance, she says.

"You get a lot of absenteeism and low work performance if people are fretting or fearful about home."

Signs of domestic violence

* Lateness and absenteeism

* Errors, lack of concentration and creativity

* Exhaustion, tension and distraction

* Reliance on colleagues to cover

* Physical injuries.

DVfree positive results

* Less time lost

* Improved productivity

* Managers able to address a difficult problem with confidence

* Referral to Domestic Violence Centre means problems are resolved much quicker

* Domestic Violence Centre crisis line(09) 303 3939, Office (09) 303 3938

DVFree

Domestic Violence Centre