BREAK THE SILENCE: END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
NSW Largest Club Group Release Action Plan During Domestic Violence Month
In Australia, 62% of women experiencing domestic and family violence are in the paid workforce. The impact of domestic and family violence caused by perpetrators extends to workplaces and can have a negative impact on employee wellbeing, workplace health, safety and productivity.
Ending domestic and family violence is a national priority, but it’s also a workplace responsibility. NSW’s biggest club group, Mounties Group is launching a range of new initiatives for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to make a meaningful difference to its staff, its members and the local community.
The average person will spend 90,000 hours at work in a lifetime. That’s roughly 10.2 years spent in the workplace or with work colleagues. Workplaces have a responsibility in family and domestic violence and Mounties Group is releasing its very own Action Plan to demonstrate how workplaces can play a role in identifying and responding to domestic and family violence.
“Having personally experienced domestic and family violence during my time working in the club industry, I recognise the need for improved workplace responses. We all have a role to play in supporting those affected, whether as an employer, coworker, family member or friend,” explained Executive Manager Community at Mounties Group, Arely Carrion, who leads the initiative.
“The key to achieving this is through education and raising awareness so that we can better prepare ourselves to provide support to those who need it. Additionally, it’s important to establish a safe and supportive culture that is non-judgmental, along with effective policies and processes to ensure that those seeking help, receive the assistance they require,” she continued.
As part of Mounties Group’s Action Plan the organisation has created a working group of lived experience employees who are leading the new policies, training and awareness campaign. Mounties Group, who employs more than 1,000 staff, has also pledged 10 days of paid leave as part of its new domestic, family and sexual violence (DFSV) policy.
“If we want to end violence, we need to invest in preventing violence before it begins, intervening early and supporting delivery of frontline services, with a focus on supporting those who have or are experiencing violence,” continued Ms Carrion.
“There have been some daunting stories shared from those within our team who have commenced our DFSV training program. One staff member has family impacted by an intimate partner homicide and she has been able to work through some of this trauma and is now a Domestic Violence Champion helping others on their journey. We have also had multiple cases of staff experiencing violence with whom we have been able to assist with choices, support and counselling,” she added.
The Mounties Group DFSV Action Plan is part of a larger scheme of initiatives that aim to educate, train, support and most of all provide access to resources and information to save people’s lives and provide hope.
“Family and domestic violence affects individuals from all walks of life. It is incumbent on us, as a workplace, as an industry and importantly as compassionate human beings, to promote awareness and support while providing education to all,” explained Mounties Group President John Dean.
“We are a proud employer of more than 1,000 team members and are dedicated to increasing awareness, conducting training and enhancing the capabilities of our local community. Ultimately, we aim to inspire others to join us and actively participate in these efforts,” he added.
Beyond new policies, increased training and internal resources, the organisation has also aligned with local Domestic Violence organisations and developed a support pathway for those who need help.
“All support we are providing our employees will be extended to our members, this includes developing resources and access to services from our partner organisations to ensure anyone within our care, has access to help when and if they need it,” added Mr Dean.
Key Facts:
To mark this important cause, Mounties Group invites media to attend an event, Break the Silence End Domestic Violence at Mounties this week with special guest speakers and DFV survivors.
When – Thursday 12 October, 11.30am-3pm
Where – Mounties Starz Room
Event – Break the Silence: End Domestic Violence Luncheon hosted by Jacinta Tynan
Special guest speakers:
Hannah Tonkin – NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner
Rebecca Glenn – Founder Centre Women’s Economic Safety
Gabrielle Morrisey – CEO Women and Children First
Contact details:
For more information, interviews or to RSVP:
Katey White | Brilliant Logic
0422 639 093 | 02 4324 6962