Domestic and family violence

STAYING SAFE: If you feel unsafe right now, call the police on triple zero (000) or contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). It may be best to make contact from a trusted person's phone or device if you think you are being tracked or monitored.

The University of Newcastle recognises that staff members may experience situations of violence or abuse in their personal life that impact on all aspects of their life including their attendance or performance at work. The University is committed to providing support to staff members who experience domestic and family violence and abuse, and this includes access to paid leave, counselling and flexible work and other arrangements.

Domestic and family violence and abuse refers to acts of violence that occur within a household or between family members, including current or former partners in an intimate relationship. Domestic and family violence and abuse can involve behaviour that makes you feel scared, threats to you, your children or pets, denies your choices and can be both physical and non-physical abuse.

It can affect anyone in the community, regardless of gender, sexual identity, race, age, culture, ethnicity, religion, disability, economic status or location.

Organisational support

Free confidential counselling is available for staff and their immediate family experiencing domestic and family violence and abuse. This can be accessed via the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Where a staff member is experiencing domestic and family violence and abuse, the University will provide access to:

  • A personal safety plan, developed in conjunction with you, a representative from the Security Team and Human Resource Services to help secure your safety in the workplace.  The plan will assist with putting supports in place, such as safe parking, workplace security, removal from the staff directory, change in email and or phone numbers, and flexible work arrangements consistent with the operational needs of the work unit. To enquire about a person safety plan, email Sarah.Williamson@newcastle.edu.au or Rebecca.Fleming@newcastle.edu.au;
  • Access to up to 20 days paid domestic and family violence and abuse leave annually for medical appointments, legal proceedings and other activities related to domestic and family violence and abuse. Workers on a casual employment contract can access up to 10 days paid leave annually;
  • A staff member who supports an immediate family member/member of the household experiencing domestic and family violence and abuse, may take personal/carer's leave or life leave to accompany them to court, hospital or provide care for children while the person being supported attends appointments.
Disclosure

What to do if someone makes a disclosure to you - How to respond sensitively and safely

It takes a lot of courage to disclose an experience of domestic or family violence and abuse. If someone discloses violence to you, they are showing enormous trust in you. It is important to show respect and maintain this trust.

Responding sensitively and with compassion are an important part of supporting the individual who has made the disclosure. Responding this was, as opposed to reacting with shock and or questioning the experience, can ensure that the individual feels safe and believed, empowering them to continue to access supports.

It is important to know that you do not need to be an expert, or have all the answers for someone who discloses their experience of domestic and family violence and abuse. Responding with compassion and then assisting them to access services that can provide specialist responses can be the most critical role you can have in supporting someone to access safety.

Self-Care following a disclosure


It can be difficult listening to a person share their experience of violence and abuse. After hearing their story, take time to observe your own feelings and practice self care. You can access free confidential counselling via the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Support and resources

Domestic and Family Violence NSW Resources
If you’re a survivor/victim of domestic and family violence and abuse, there is help available. Protect yourself when using this website and stay safe online by taking precautions such as deleting your internet history.

Follow this link for services and resources to get HELP

Victims' Services
NSW Department of Justice Victims Services provide support services, including free counselling and financial assistance to victims of crime. You can also find out more about victims' rights and how to get support throughout the justice system.

  • Victims' Access Line: 1800 633 063
  • Aboriginal Contact Line: 1800 019 123

ACON
Is an LGBTI health organisation offering information, referrals, counselling, advocacy and practical support for LGBTI people experiencing domestic and family violence.

  • Hunter, New England, Central Coast & Central West: 02 4962 7700
  • Sydney: 02 9206 2000
  • Northern Rivers: 02 6622 1555
  • Mid-North Coast: 02 6651 6017
  • Southern, Far West & Blue Mountains: 1800 063 060, 02 9206 2114

Esafety for women
A resource from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner to help woman manage technology risks and abuse by giving them the tools they need to be confident when online.

Lifeline.org.au – available 24/7

MensLine Australia – available 24/7

  • 1300 78 99 78

Translating and Interpreting Service

  • 131 450