Recognising the Risk

Across the world, women are killed by current or former partners in staggering numbers. In Australia, one woman a week is murdered 1, with this year alone already nearing 70. Across the world United Nations research suggests 58,000 women were killed in 2017 by intimate partners. Evidence shows that the highest risk period for a woman who experiences family and sexual violence includes just before leaving an abusive relationship and immediately after leaving.

“Only approximately one-half of the 456 women who were killed or almost killed by a husband, boyfriend, or ex-husband or ex-boyfriend in a study of homicide of women accurately perceived their risk of being killed by their abusive partner. Women are unlikely to overestimate their risk; however, many will underestimate
the severity of the situation.”

If a survivor is at high risk
immediately prior to and after separation, and may not accurately perceive the
severity of the risk, what can we do to assist a survivor when they decide to
leave an abusive relationship?

General Support

  • ·Encourage and support a survivor to seek the assistance
    of the Bel isi PNG case management centre (ph.: 7055 4401), develop a safety
    plan and consider the professional advice received;·        

  • Encourage a survivor to change their routine and
    known living, travel routes and work locations;   

  •  Respect the need for them to keep their location
    confidential 

  •  Offer support to the survivor and respect their
    choices.

Workplace Support

As an employer or manager, a variety of measures could be considered in order to support a survivor:

  • Enabling the survivor to access special paid
    leave provisions to relocate to a safe location and seek appropriate protection
    orders;

  • Facilitate remote work;    

  •  Enable a temporary change of work location;       

  • Allow part time or flexible work hours;

  • Coordinate safe transport to and from work;

  • Ensure front gate and security staff are aware
    of the risk and do not allow access to perpetrators

  • ·Change office email and phone numbers.

The safety of the Bel isi PNG safe house clients and staff are our number one priority and as such the location of the safe house is always kept confidential. Clients are requested to comply with the Bel isi PNG safe
house policies and guidelines to ensure their safety when they are most at risk.



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