31 March 2014

Business role to help address domestic violence

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce is supporting the Domestic Violence-Victims Protection Bill launched today by Jan Logie, Green MP.

Michael Barnett, head of the Auckland Chamber, said that businesses are well placed to recognize the signals that arise from domestic violence, and then take appropriate action.

“Many of the people trapped in events of domestic violence display common signs. These might include (other than obvious physical signs), taking time off, lack of productivity or health issues.

“Being a good employer doesn’t mean we have to be social workers, but as with everyone else in the community we have a broader social responsibility,” said Mr Barnett.

Besides, with research showing that significant savings could be made by employers if victims of domestic violence are properly supported in the workplace, it makes the workplace an important place for intervention.

He noted that the intent of the Bill is to create systems that link employers and victims to specialist services to ensure the best response, and remove the stress and uncertainty out of the situation.

ENDS

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