University of Auckland introduces family violence policy

January 28, 2016 at 3:10 PM

University of Auckland introduces family violence policy

*From the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse*

In November 2015, the University of Auckland joined the growing list of New Zealand employers to adopt family violence policies.

The University's "Family Violence Policy" and "Family Violence Prevention and Management Guidelines" set out supports it can provide for students and staff affected by family violence.

Supports available can include: 

  • Flexible work or study arrangements
  • Leave
  • Compassionate considerations
  • Campus personal safety planning

The policy and guidelines support people who:

  • Have experienced or are experiencing family violence
  • Are concerned about a student or colleague, or about safety on campus because they are aware of a family violence situation
  • Are managing an employee experiencing family violence
The University will provide "reasonable support" for staff and students affected by family violence so as to enable them to maintain employment or study. The policy is supported by training, guides and other resources.
 
The policy says, "The University affirms that family violence is unacceptable and that every person is entitled to respect and to live free from fear and abuse. The University also has a legal obligation to ensure a safe and healthy work, learning and (for those in university accommodation) living environment."
 
Vice Chancellor Stuart McCutcheon and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equity) Trudie McNaughton affirm that the University has a role in addressing family violence in a video message.
 
Further information is available from the Family violence – It’s Not OK page on the University of Auckland website. 
 
Other New Zealand workplaces to have implemented family violence supports include the Warehouse Group, New Zealand's largest retailer and the Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), the only state sector employer to have done so.