Paid family and domestic violence leave: a step forward, but more action needed

Every day, people at work hide the impact of domestic violence, causing physical, emotional, and psychological damage.

Recent changes to paid leave policies are a step in the right direction; but more action is needed to ensure a safe and supportive workplace for all.

In this Nicholes Family Lawyers and Victorian Women Lawyers co-hosted webinar, a panel of experts will discuss issues including:
- the prevalence and impact of family and domestic violence,
- the recent changes to paid family and domestic violence leave,
- how employees can access paid family and domestic violence leave
- how employers can work to better understand family and domestic violence and best-practice ways to implement the new paid leave laws
- domestic and family violence and family law
- the need for further reform, and
- where to go for family and domestic violence support. 

The live panel discussion will be preceded by a screening of family and domestic violence awareness-raising film “The Fort”, which is set in regional Victoria and tells the story of a mother and son living with family and domestic violence.

Presenters:
Welcome & Introduction:
- Sophie Lefebvre; President, Victorian Women Lawyers
 
Moderator:
- Catherine Giles; Partner, Nicholes Family Lawyers
 
Panel Members:
- Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon; Director, Monash Gender and Family Violence Prevention Centre, Monash University
- Michaela Maloney; Partner, K&L Gates
- Shaynna Blaze; Co-Founder, Director, Chairperson, Voice of Change