Macquarie staff are now entitled to up to 20 days of paid domestic violence leave, in a significant step that solidifies the University as a leader in gender equity and staff wellbeing.

Domestic and family violence continues to affect a significant number of Australians each year. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, intimate partner violence causes more illness, disability and deaths than any other risk factor for women aged 25-44. And domestic or family violence caused 72,000 women, 34,000 children and 9000 men to seek homelessness services in 2016-17.

The New South Wales Government recently introduced 10 days of paid domestic violence leave for public sector employees, while the Federal Government has announced will allow women fleeing violent relationships to access their superannuation early.

Leaving a violent or abusive relationship can be immensely difficult for a victim, especially if they are financially constrained. For many, there is a need to take time away from work to go to court, attend legal or medical appointments, undergo counselling, search for new accommodation, or arrange new schooling or childcare arrangements for children.

Macquarie’s new domestic violence leave provisions will provide greater financial and job security for staff experiencing domestic violence or abuse, in addition to the many other supports already in place for staff.

Nicole Gower, Director of Human Resources, says the new leave provisions are another mark of progress in the University’s ongoing commitment to preventing and responding to domestic violence and improving gender equity.

“All women and men at Macquarie should have the opportunity to contribute their full potential within a compassionate and inclusive culture,” she says. “By supporting our people in this way, we send a strong statement to the University community, and the community more broadly, to say we are committed to removing the barriers to genuine equality.”

Domestic violence leave will be formalised in the new staff enterprise agreements, with the professional staff agreement currently in progress. Staff who have queries regarding domestic violence leave in the interim can contact their HR representative in confidence.

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If you, or a colleague, are experiencing violence or abuse, visit the Wellbeing website for information on available support.