Affinity updates policies in light of Australia’s spike in Domestic and Family Violence

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Affinity Education Group has released an updated set of policies, including a Domestic and Family Violence Policy, to ensure that all employees and families attending its services have access to support if they are experiencing domestic violence. 

 

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is acknowledged annually in May, and in 2024, falls at a time of increased public discourse around the deaths of women around Australia at the hands of a current or former partner, including ECEC professional Molly Ticehurst.

 

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is held each May to raise community awareness of the social and personal impacts of domestic and family violence and the support available to those affected. The key aims of the month are to: 

 

• raise community awareness of domestic and family violence and its impacts; 
• promote a clear message of no tolerance of domestic and family violence in Queensland communities; 
• ensure those who are experiencing domestic and family violence know how to access help and support; 
• encourage people who use abuse and/or violence to take responsibility for their abusive behaviour and seek support to change. 

 

A Wellbeing and Retention Advisor has commenced as a key liaison for Affinity’s Centre Managers requiring additional support if employees or families are facing domestic violence, and the provider has surveyed its staff to gather their feedback and perceptions of the support available in the event of domestic violence. 

 

“97 per cent of Affinity’s workforce identify as female and although domestic and family violence affects all genders, it is well documented that women are more likely to experience domestic or family violence at some point in their lives,” Claire Snyder, Wellbeing and Retention Advisor at Affinity Education Group said. 

 

“In addition, our national community of more than 240 early education and childcare centres is connected to thousands of Australian families, and are active members of their local communities, so it is important to add our support and acknowledgement for the importance of this issue,” she added. 

 

“Affinity is committed to assisting employees in feeling more empowered to act on an issue that could affect not only their team, but parents and children of the centres as well,” Ms Snyder said.

 

“We will promote workplace equality, respect, and a safe working environment free from violence, and continue creating a culture where employees look out for one another and treat each other with care.” 

 

If you or anyone you know is affected by Domestic or Family Violence contact: 

 

DVConnect Womensline (24/7): 1800 811 811  

DVConnect Mensline (9am to midnight, 7 days): 1800 600 636 

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732