Empowering DV Prevention Initiatives in City Governance
"Learn how the Finance and City Governance Committee is leading Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) prevention efforts, promoting awareness, providing support, and fostering a safe workplace for all employees. Discover the recent actions, programs, and events aimed at addressing DFV within the council and wider community."
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Finance and City Governance Committee Council Domestic and Family Violence Awareness, Prevention and Support Initiatives Human Resources Organisational Services 16 May 2023
Overview Council is a Zero Harm organisation and cares about the wellness, safety and health of our employees at work, at home and at leisure. Council provides a safe workplace for everyone and supports the right for all people to live free from violence, intimidation and abuse. We actively promote resources and support that is available to our workers, for those experiencing Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) and those using violence.
May 2023 Domestic and Family Violence prevention month Sponsorship of the Darkness to Daylight event and Council fundraising team formed. Distribution of Power and Control / Equality wheels, promoted by an internal video featuring Vanessa Fowler - Co-Chair of the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council and Chair of the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation. Sponsorship of the Pathways to Safety conference 11 May 2023. Webinars and face to face sessions. Civic event held in City Hall in honour of the advocates that support the awareness and prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. Community Support funding for LGBTQ Domestic Violence Awareness Foundation Light Up The Night Gala at City Hall on 5 May 2023.
Recent actions Sessions were made available and delivered by an external provider to our Divisional, General Managers and HR leaders. Digital screen promotion on internal and point to external DFV prevention resources. Engaged provider to develop a comprehensive Leader s Guide to support our managers and leaders. Continued delivery of A Fresh Start for me 10-week online program for our workers.
A Fresh Start For Me Delivered by Workhaven, this program includes working directly with an expert to: Taking practical steps to move forward after DFV. Creating the right environment to rebuild after DFV. Understanding how they may have been impacted by DFV. Creating a plan to rebuild. Building and maintaining momentum. Observing and tracking progress. Note - two smaller regional councils are also able to access this program under the contract Council has with Workhaven.
Recent actions Council s executive management team and each divisional leadership team have developed and signed a commitment statement confirming their commitment to DFV prevention. DFV prevention has been suggested to be included as an agenda item to meetings as a way of regularly communicating this important topic and reminder of resources available on the intranet. Two Human Resources employees are part of the Local Government Association Queensland Domestic and Family Violence Community of Interest, and the Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Council Champions network. Regular communications reminding workers of the support and resources available for someone experiencing DFV or concerned about their own use of violence.
Recent actions Continue to build connections with other local government councils to share learnings. Engaged external provider to review Council s Domestic and Family Violence Strategy to support primary prevention. Updated intranet pages to include support for LGBTIQ+ people and people using violence or who may be concerned about their behaviour. Shared opinion pieces by Vanessa Fowler and Bob Atkinson (Co-chairs of the DFV Prevention Council) via Council s Yammer network.
Helpful information is available on our intranet for all workers to access.
Employee Assistance Provider
Other Council Initiatives Community Development Team supported the delivery of free Domestic Violence Awareness Workshops facilitated by Lifeline/DV-Alert. Funded the Women's Legal Services for three years to provide a hotline service offering free information and referrals to women reaching out for help. Improved connections between DFV service providers and referral agencies. Community Development Co-ordinators providing one-on- one support of DFV service providers. Supported Care Kits for Kids in their transition to their Care Hub location at Coorparoo.
Other Council Initiatives Delivered the Pathways Out of Homelessness Grant Program to recipients including Micah Projects, Communify, and Beyond DV. Participating in the Understanding Pathways to Safety Domestic Violence and Family Violence Forum planning committee. Partnered with the North Brisbane Safety Alliance to part fund their DV Safety Cards. Exemptions and financial concessions for eligible charities and not-for-profit service providers.
