New research on impacts of domestic violence on the workplace

A new study has been carried out on the impacts of domestic violence and the workplace. Impacts of Domestic Violence on Workers and the Workplace, by Margaret Rayner-Thomas, surveyed 1600 public service employees and found that 26% of participants reported direct experience of family violence. More than half of those experiencing family violence required time off work and 38% said violence made it difficult for them to get into work. Participants experiencing family violence reported tardiness as the primary effect (84%) while being distracted, tired or unwell also affected 16%. The research was carried out as part of a University of Auckland Public Health Masters thesis.

The research complements the recent report Productivity Gains from Workplace Protection of Victims of Domestic Violence. This was written by Sherilee Kahui, Bryan Ku and economist Suzanne Snively and commissioned by the Public Service Association (PSA). The report found domestic violence costs employers $368 million a year, which could be avoided through workplace protections.

The PSA has been working to highlight the importance of treating family violence as a workplace issue. National Secretary Brenda Pilott said "This research clearly shows that domestic violence is a major issue impacting New Zealanders lives at work, their ability to retain jobs, and to do them well. Workers need clear entitlements so they can disclose their situations to employers, confident they will get the support they need."

Human Rights Commissioner for Women Jackie Blue welcomed the research, asking Government leaders and managers to recognise the impact of family violence on employees. She said "[It is not surprising] traumatised people bring this to work with them every day: trauma is not something that can be automatically switched off."

Green MP Jan Logie's Member's Bill Domestic Violence - Victims' Protection, which aims to enhance legal protections for victims of domestic violence through amendment of relevant legislation, is currently waiting to be picked from the Members' Bills Ballot.

Media:

Research shows impact of domestic violence on work, Voxy, 02.05.2014

PSA survey on family violence 'compulsory reading for Govt', Voxy, 02.05.2014

Domestic abuse costs millions in lost productivity - study, NZ Herald, 01.05.2014