Women in the Workforce and Domestic Violence
I applaud the National Australia Bank for recognizing and publically acknowledging this sad fact that some of their employees may be survivors of domestic violence. And no, I do not bank with them or receive any monies or stocks for posting this article.
(Note: I have deliberately used the term “survivors” and not “victims”. Victims feel they are not in control of their lives whereas survivors constantly look for a solution and do not allow “stuff” that happens to them to seal their fate).
Their proactive response in addressing this issue speaks volumes of their support for their staff.
No person should have to endure this type of abuse and the NAB is streets in front of just about any other corporate organization in supporting their staff by offering paid domestic violence leave.
Their aim to allow their staff an opportunity to get themselves sorted even if an initial start means they have the time and money to fi
nd alternative accommodation to get out of a destructive relationship.
Well done, NAB.
“National Australia Bank will offer its 43,000 staff paid domestic violence leave in a move that campaigners hope will encourage other large private employers to follow suit.
Fairfax said the policy would make NAB the largest private-sector employer to offer the entitlement, which gives staff unlimited leave if needed.
“Some people just need a couple of days or a short period of time and others need more extended time out of the workforce or sporadic time out of the workforce to deal with the challenges,” said NAB general manager of workplace performance, Lynda Dean.
She said the policy would apply to all staff.
Fairfax said more than a million workers, mainly in the public sector, had access to some form of paid domestic violence leave.
Ludo McFerran, national manager of the Safe at Home, Safe at Work project, said the bank’s move was “fantastic” and was significant coming from such a big employer.
The economic freedom from remaining in paid work is regarded as vital in helping victims escape violent relationships.”