How To Deal With Physical And Emotional Abuse

Questions about how to deal with physical and emotional abuse reach workplaces in two forms, and the response differs.

Where the conduct is happening at work, by a colleague, manager, client or patient, it engages the employer’s duties directly. Physical abuse may be a criminal matter, and the person should be told clearly that reporting to police is available and the choice is theirs.

Where it is happening outside work, an employer is not the responder, and trying to be one rarely helps. What an employer can do is practical. Family and domestic violence leave, flexible or changed hours, a different work location, changing a phone number or email, and a safety plan if the person’s workplace is known to someone.

Support services exist for this, and connecting someone to them is more useful than any internal process.

The Fair Work Ombudsman covers leave entitlements. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s family and domestic violence course and mental health and wellbeing course.