As a collective force, employers can play a massive role in addressing New Zealand’s epidemic of domestic violence
New Zealand has the highest reported rates of domestic violence in all developed countries and on average, NZ Police respond to one domestic violence situation every four minutes.
It’s statistics like these that have inspired many organisations the DVFREE Tick by Shine, demonstrating its commitment to create a domestic violence-free workplace where staff can feel safe and supported.
One such organisation is ASB and its acting Executive General Manager People, Anna Campbell, said she is proud of the work the company has done to reach this milestone.
“We’re in the privileged position of being an organisation that can affect and influence change in our communities for the better,” said Campbell.
“Working with Shine and achieving this DVFREE Tick is something which we hope will have an impact beyond our organisation and will encourage other companies to join as well.”
Campbell added that their people are the number one priority, and ensuring they have a workplace that supports anyone who is affected by domestic violence is incredibly important.
“To date, more than 200 of our People Leaders have been trained to support people affected by domestic violence in the workplace, which is fantastic,” said Campbell.
“The team will now continue to train managers over the next 18 months, with the plan to have the majority of our people trained by June 2021.”
In order to achieve the DVFREE Tick, an employer must meet the DVFREE Tick criteria in the content of policy, procedures, information and awareness raising for all staff, and training managers and ‘First Responders.’
‘First Responders’ are key staff trained to support staff who experience domestic violence, including creating workplace safety plans for affected staff.
Shine’s DVFREE and Policy Advisor Holly Carrington added that as a collective force, employers can play a massive role in addressing New Zealand’s epidemic of domestic violence.
“The team at ASB Bank has been very focused on creating an effective staff domestic violence programme. I am thrilled to congratulate ASB for being awarded the DVFREE Tick in recognition of the steps they have taken.”
