Domestic and Family Violence Policy

Relevate Consulting

1. Purpose

Relevate Consulting is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace. Domestic and family violence can significantly impact employees’ wellbeing, safety, and ability to work. This policy outlines our response to domestic and family violence, including prevention, support mechanisms, confidentiality, and reporting responsibilities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, and consultants of Relevate Consulting, regardless of employment status or location.

3. Policy Statement

Relevate Consulting adopts a zero-tolerance approach to domestic and family violence. We will take all reasonable steps to:

• Promote safety and wellbeing

• Provide confidential support to affected individuals

• Respond appropriately to disclosures or concerns

• Ensure no one is disadvantaged for seeking help

• Comply with relevant workplace, privacy, and safety legislation

4. Definitions

Domestic and Family Violence includes physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, verbal, or coercive behaviours used to control, threaten, harm, or intimidate a partner, family member, or household member.

5. Responsibilities

5.1 All Staff

Employees are expected to:

• Report concerns or disclosures of domestic and family violence to a manager or HR representative as soon as practicable

• Treat affected individuals with empathy, respect, and discretion

• Avoid any actions that may compromise a person’s safety or privacy

5.2 Managers and Supervisors

Managers must:

• Respond to disclosures sensitively and without judgment

• Ensure confidentiality and limit information to those who need to know

• Assess immediate safety risks to the individual and the workplace

• Provide information about support services and entitlements

• Facilitate access to leave or flexible working arrangements where appropriate

• Contact emergency services if there is an imminent threat to safety

6. Support Options

Relevate Consulting may provide or facilitate access to:

• Domestic and family violence leave or other leave options

• Flexible work arrangements or adjusted duties

• Safety planning for the individual and the workplace

• Confidential counselling and support services

• Referrals to external support agencies or helplines

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

All reports and disclosures will be handled with strict confidentiality. Information will only be shared when:

• Required by law

• There is an immediate risk to safety

• The individual provides consent

Records will be stored securely and handled in accordance with privacy legislation.

8. Reporting to Authorities

If police have not already been contacted and there is an immediate threat to safety, managers may notify the appropriate authorities. Wherever possible, this will be done in consultation with the affected individual.

9. Workplace Safety and Risk Management

Where domestic and family violence may pose a risk in the workplace, Relevate Consulting will:

• Take reasonable steps to protect the individual and colleagues

• Adjust work arrangements if required

• Restrict access to personal information

• Implement safety measures as appropriate

10. Non-Discrimination and Job Protection

No employee will be penalised, disadvantaged, or discriminated against for:

• Experiencing domestic or family violence

• Seeking assistance or reporting concerns

• Requesting leave or flexible arrangements

11. Training and Awareness

Relevate Consulting will promote awareness of domestic and family violence and ensure managers understand their responsibilities in responding to disclosures appropriately.

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its ongoing relevance and alignment with legal requirements and best practice.