Family violence is a critical issue that can deeply impact an individual’s personal and professional life. Recognizing this, schools are committed to providing the necessary support for staff encountering such situations. This article will explore the provisions and support measures for family violence as defined in the Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022.
Defining Family Violence
According to the Family Violence Protection Act 2008 (Vic), family violence encompasses physical, sexual, financial, verbal, or emotional abuse by a family member. Such situations can affect an employee’s performance and attendance at work, warranting support from the employer.
Eligibility for Family Violence Leave
Leave for family violence is available to all employees except casual workers. This leave allows staff experiencing family violence to be absent from work for activities related to family violence, such as counselling appointments and legal proceedings. Casual employees can access leave without pay for the same purposes.
Evidence and Confidentiality
Evidence of family violence may be required and can include documents from the Police Service, a Court, a registered health practitioner, a Family Violence Support Service, district nurse, maternal and health care nurse, or Lawyer. A signed statutory declaration can also serve as evidence.
All personal information concerning family violence is kept confidential in line with the employer’s policies and relevant legislation. No information is kept on an employee’s personnel file without their express written permission.
Providing Support in the Workplace
The employer will not take adverse action against an employee if their attendance or performance at work suffers due to experiencing family violence. The workplace will have identified contacts trained in family violence and associated privacy issues.
Employees experiencing family violence can raise the issue with their immediate supervisor, Family Violence contacts, or union delegate. The supervisor may seek advice from the Family Violence contact if the employee chooses not to see the Family Violence contact.
Leave Provisions
An employee experiencing family violence will have access to 20 days per year of paid special leave for activities related to family violence. This leave is in addition to existing leave entitlements and can be taken without prior approval.
An employee who supports a person experiencing family violence may utilize their personal/carer’s leave entitlement to accompany them to court, hospital, or to care for children.
Individual Support Measures
The employer will approve any reasonable request from an employee experiencing family violence for changes to work hours, duties, or location. The employee may also request a change to their telephone number or email address to avoid harassing contact, among other appropriate measures.
An employee experiencing family violence will be offered access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and/or other available local employee support resources.
FAQs
1. What is considered as evidence of family violence?
Evidence can be an agreed document from the Police Service, a Court, a registered health practitioner, a Family Violence Support Service, district nurse, maternal and health care nurse, or Lawyer. A signed statutory declaration can also be provided as evidence.
2. Can an employee take leave without prior approval?
Yes, under family violence leave provisions, an employee can take leave without prior approval.
3. What support is available for an employee experiencing family violence?
An employee experiencing family violence can access the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), receive support for changes to work hours, duties, or location, and can get assistance in avoiding harassing contact.
Final Thoughts
Schools committed to supporting staff experiencing family violence fosters a safe and supportive work environment. Understanding and implementing these guidelines are essential steps in addressing this significant issue and providing necessary support to the affected staff members.
