Why Take a Stand?

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Why Take a Stand?

Domestic violence can have a damaging impact on the lives of employees at home and at work. The good news is that we can all play a role in changing the culture that allows it to occur. 

The effects of domestic violence are felt at work, and include absenteeism, reduced productivity and safety risks for the victim and other employees. Take a Stand focuses on what people in the workplace can do to make a difference; it promotes a positive message that change is possible.

Did you know?

One in four Australian women has experienced violence from a current or ex-partner
Two-thirds of victims of violence are in paid employment
The cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence and other forms of violence against women is $2.1 billion a year (PricewaterhouseCoopers 2015)
The leading causes of domestic violence are sexism and gender inequality
Domestic violence is everyone’s business – and we all have a role to play in preventing it.

What Take a Stand can do for your workplace

promote a productive, safe and respectful workplace culture
assist employees affected by domestic violence to remain safe and supported at work
improve productivity and morale
attend to OH&S obligations
enhance your reputation as an employer of choice and a leader in the community.

Take a Stand has been informed by the input of leading researchers and authorities in the violence prevention field. It is updated regularly to ensure it remains at the forefront of programs to prevent domestic violence. Take a Stand has won a variety of awards, including an Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Award, a VicHealth Health Promotion Award, and a Victorian Community Sector Award.

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Testimonials

“The program helped me realise that it’s all up to us. We can all play a part in change. By stopping and taking a stand for the little things, comments etc, it can prevent more serious scenarios”

“The training showed me there are simple ways to call out things that perpetuate violence against women”

“The tools to take a stand were most beneficial because they were practical and staff were able to apply them to their shift the next day, or the next week or month”

“It addresses the sort of things that people often don’t like to talk about ... it's a really positive thing to talk about them and put them on the table and have healthy conversations about them ... to normalise it and say that it’s okay if someone is going through this and you can get support”

“It shows that as a company we stand up against violence in the workplace and against domestic violence, that we are a caring employer. Employees can discuss stories with each other, ways to help each other out, bring everyone together and work as a team”

“I think it would be great to see it in every workplace across Australia”

Download Reports

Take a Stand knowledge paper

Donate to create change for women

By donating to Women's Health Victoria, you can make a real difference to the health outcomes and fair treatment of women and gender diverse people.

With your help, we can drive social change, address women's health needs and promote fair and equitable healthcare for all.

No contribution is too small, and donations over $2 are tax deductible.

WHV acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.

Acknowledgement of Country
Women’s Health Victoria acknowledges and pays our respects to the Traditional Owners of the land that our offices are situated on, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. As a statewide organisation, we also acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters across Victoria. We pay our respects to them, their cultures and their Elders past and present.

Our Commitment to Gender Diversity & Inclusion
Women’s Health Victoria’s focus is women (cis and trans inclusive) and gender diverse people. We address feminist health issues and are committed to supporting all people impacted by gender inequity who can benefit from our work. As a proud intersectional feminist organisation, Women’s Health Victoria is working towards meaningful inclusivity, guided by and supporting people who identify as women, trans, intersex and gender diverse.