Supporting Small Business To Implement Paid Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) Leave
Family and domestic violence (FDV) represents a significant public health issue that generates severe physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences for people across all demographics. The introduction of 10 days paid FDV leave marks a critical step forward in supporting employees experiencing family and domestic violence.
Transitioning Well (TW) together with HR Legal is proud to have been commissioned to collaborate with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to develop and disseminate information and resources to help small businesses understand their obligations and employee entitlements in relation to the new paid FDV Leave legislation.
The landscape of family and domestic violence in Australia
FDV remains one of Australia's most significant social challenges. On average, one woman is killed every ten days by an intimate partner in Australia. The economic impact is also substantial, with family and domestic violence costing the Australian economy an estimated $21.7 billion annually. Notably, between 55% and 70% of people experiencing FDV are in paid employment, highlighting the critical intersection between workplace support and FDV response (UN Women).
This workplace connection underscores why the introduction of paid FDV leave marks such a significant step forward. For many experiencing FDV, employment provides not just economic independence but also a vital support network and pathway to safety. However, managing the impacts of FDV—including attending court dates, finding new accommodation, or seeking medical care—often requires time away from work, making paid leave entitlements crucial for maintaining both employment and safety.
"Women have the right to feel safe at home, at work and in the community. That's why we're delivering the new National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children. I’m proud that our Government legislated 10 days paid leave for people fleeing family and domestic violence."
What we know
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men have experienced intimate partner violence in Australia (ABS, 2023).
- Women are more likely than men to experience violence, emotional abuse and economic abuse from a cohabiting partner (AIHW).
- An estimated 3.8 million people aged 18 and over have experienced violence (physical and/or sexual) by an intimate partner or family member since the age of 15 in Australia (ABS, 2023).
- FDV is the primary health risk for Australian women aged 15 to 44 years (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).
- FDV is estimated to affect 800,000 working women in Australia. (Cortis & Bullen, 2016).
- Violence against women and their children will cost the Australian economy an estimated $13.6 billion this year (Department of Social Services)
The benefits of supporting small businesses to support their people
FDV poses a serious threat to the physical and mental health and wellbeing of victim-survivors. It makes it difficult for victim-survivors to gain and keep paid employment. Victim survivors generally have a more disrupted work history, receive lower incomes, and are often in casual and part-time employment.
When small business owners and their teams have access to support, they can:
- Build confidence in managing sensitive conversations and caring for their teams
- Save time and money with free, evidence-based guidance
- Better understand and meet their legal obligations
Understanding the challenge of small business support
The Fair Work Amendment (Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave) Act 2022 represents a significant change in workplace entitlements, requiring careful consideration of both employer obligations and employee privacy.
Small businesses face unique challenges when implementing new workplace entitlements, such as:
- Limited time and resources for policy development
- Need for clear, practical guidance
- Privacy concerns in smaller workplace settings
- Sensitivity required for implementation
- Complex legal obligations to navigate
Research shows small businesses are more likely to engage with content from trusted sources and require practical, actionable guidance rather than theoretical frameworks.
What we did
TW in partnership with HR Legal, developed an innovative approach to support small business implementation of paid FDV leave. In collaboration with stakeholders and a reference group made up small business bodies and FDV experts, as well as lived experience consultants, the project centred around the development of a website full of practical resources: smallbusiness.10dayspaidfdvleave.com.au
The Flinders University Industrial Transformation Institute delivered their final report of the independent review which noted references to 10dayspaidFDVLeave, specifically a recommendation to "invest in continuing development of the www.10DaysFDVLeave.com website, the ‘one-stop shop’ hub for small business."
Social impact is so important to everything we do at Transitioning Well (TW) and our team is grateful to be involved in this important project. The TW team loved collaborating with DEWR, along with lived-experience representatives, Reference Group members and all the various stakeholders we worked with to deliver helpful, evidence-based resources. We're thrilled that Flinders University has recommended further investment in these resources, recognising the meaningful impact they continue to have. A positive attitude, open minds, a desire to support each other and a focus on what’s best for victim survivors and the small business community are at the heart of what has made this project work well.
Comprehensive content development
To support small businesses in implementing paid FDV leave effectively, we developed a suite of practical, trauma-informed resources.
The resource library included comprehensive implementation checklists, guiding businesses through each step of the paid FDV leave process—from policy development to practical workplace adjustments. Content addressed key topics such as privacy obligations, leave administration, and support pathways, while easy-to-use templates were designed to help businesses create and implement paid FDV policies tailored to their workplace. Clear process guides outlined leave and payment procedures, supporting businesses to manage entitlements appropriately.
Interactive tools and downloadable resources were designed with small business time constraints in mind, offering practical solutions that could be implemented immediately. This included guidance on developing referral networks, managing confidential documentation, and creating safe and supportive workplace environments.
We also developed innovative conversation simulations, carefully crafted to help managers and employees navigate sensitive discussions about paid FDV leave. These simulations provided real-world scenarios and guidance for both employee-initiated and manager-initiated conversations, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate support.
All resources were developed in consultation with the Reference Group, ensuring they met both legal requirements and the practical needs of businesses while maintaining a trauma-informed approach that prioritised privacy and safety.
The entire suite of resources was housed on the purpose-built website, featuring intuitive navigation and a fast-exit button for user safety. This digital hub continues to be updated and maintained, ensuring small businesses have ongoing access to current, relevant support materials for implementing paid FDV leave effectively.
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How we can work with you
Drawing from our successful collaboration with DEWR and other successful projects, TW offers content and resource opportunities for organisations seeking to develop and implement evidence-based workplace resources and programs.
Our partnership approach
Working with government departments, industry bodies and organisations of all sizes, we bring:
- Evidence-based methodology
- Trauma-informed practices
- Extensive stakeholder management experience
- Strong dissemination networks
- Digital resource development expertise
- National team of registered psychologists
- Proven track record in the delivery of successful contracts
Why partner with us?
Our recent partnership with DEWR highlights one of our key values of collaboration and demonstrates our capability to deliver exceptional results. We excel in managing complex projects under demanding timeframes while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Our proven ability to engage hard-to-reach audiences, particularly in the small business sector, demonstrates our understanding of diverse workplace needs and communication challenges.
We create practical, accessible resources that resonate with target audiences and drive real workplace change. Through sustainable dissemination networks, we ensure resources achieve maximum impact and longevity. Our comprehensive approach to measuring and reporting outcomes also provides partners with clear evidence of project success and areas for future development.
smallbusiness.10dayspaidfdvleave.com.au is an initiative of the Australian Government
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
