Support is available for employees experiencing domestic and family violence.

Violence against anyone, of any gender, is unacceptable. Evidence shows that women experience the majority of domestic and family violence, with an average of one Australian woman killed each week by a current or former partner.

Public sector workplaces have an important role in supporting employees affected by domestic and family violence.

Paid and unpaid leave is available for employees experiencing or escaping domestic and family violence. This includes 15 days special leave with pay, in addition to existing leave entitlements.

All public sector employees can access these leave provisions. For more information, see Attachment F of
Commissioner’s Determination 3.1 – Employment Conditions – Hours of Work, Overtime and Leave.

The Guideline of the Commissioner for Public Sector Employment: Domestic and Family Violence provides further information for employees, managers and HR professionals.

Employees experiencing or escaping domestic and family violence are encouraged to speak with their manager or HR representative so appropriate supports and safety measures can be put in place.

All information is treated as strictly confidential, except where disclosure is required on a ‘need to know’ basis to maintain the safety of the employee or others.

Supports and safety measures may include:

  • assessing risks to the employee’s safety in the workplace
  • developing a safety plan (including travel to and from work)
  • adjusting work hours or location
  • providing flexible work arrangements to support ongoing employment.

The following services are available to support employees experiencing domestic and family violence.

  • Emergency: Call 000
  • 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732): Free 24/7 confidential counselling and support
  • Domestic Violence Crisis Line (1800 800 098): Crisis counselling and access to safe accommodation
  • Victim Support Service SA (1800 842 846): Support for victims of crime, witnesses, and their families.
  • Working Women’s Centre SA (08 8410 6499 metro / 1800 652 697 regional): Support for women experiencing work-related issues.

  • You can request information about a current or former partner through the SAPOL Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), or call 131 444
  • If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, contact the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL) on 131 478 (24/7)
  • Public sector employees can access confidential counselling through their Employee Assistance Program (EAP)