JobWatch was featured on ABC on 17 November 2021, commenting on workplace rights for individuals experiencing domestic and family violence that affects their employment.
November 17, 2021
Between 55 and 70 per cent of women who are experiencing, or have experienced, violence are in the Australian workforce, according to Gabrielle Marchetti, principal lawyer with employment legal rights centre JobWatch.
This equates to approximately 800,000 women, or around one in six female workers, she said.
…
All workers experiencing family and domestic violence have legal rights, Ms Marchetti said.
In addition to unpaid violence leave, employees can request flexible working arrangements. Permanent workers also have access to paid personal or carers leave.
Occupational workplace health and safety laws require employers to provide a safe working environment and there are also other legal protections for people experiencing violence, such as against unfair dismissal.
But beyond those minimum legal requirements and entitlements in specific agreements, workplace responses to family and domestic violence can vary depending on the employer. That response can include paid leave, staff training, policies, procedures — or none of those things.
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