A FUTURE Labor government would provide for five days of domestic violence leave a year, if it won the next federal election.
Labor leader Bill Shorten announced today — White Ribbon Day — that his government would include the five days of paid leave in the National Employment Standards, if elected. Casual workers would get five days of unpaid leave.
This comes as the Coalition releases government-commissioned research that shows that while there is strong community support to stop violence against women, there is "low recognition" of "where it begins".
Mr Shorten said domestic violence leave would enable victims to access things like legal advice, counselling and medical appointments
"Domestic and family violence leave will benefit both those who have experienced violence as well as business through improved productivity, increased employee retention and reduced absenteeism," he said.
"Consider the time required in courts, meeting with lawyers, financial advisers, the school principal, counselling sessions for people who have experienced violence."
The National Employment Standards set out the minimum entitlements for all employees who are covered by the workplace relations system.
Labor's pledge follows a longstanding call from the Australian Council of Trade Unions to boost protections for domestic violence victims in the workplace. The ACTU has argued that while more than a million employees, such as those at Telstra and IKEA, have access to paid domestic violence leave, the provision should be extended to all workers.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will today, which is also International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, release research commissioned by the government on attitudes towards domestic violence.
Research company TNS conducted interviews with some 255 young people and parents around Australia, finding that there were "high" levels of victim blaming among those surveyed.
It also found that many actions that were disrespectful and aggressive towards women were considered by adults as "social misdemeanors" rather than something that should be "corrected".
There was also a "strong desire to avoid blaming males".
The results will inform a national campaign, due in early 2016, which aims to change attitudes around gender equality - and get parents and teachers to take more responsibility for how young people think about violence.
Mr Turnbull said the research painted a "disturbing picture about what many Australians think about domestic violence".
"It tells us that far too many people excuse, diminish and blame the victim when it comes to violence against women."
Social Services Minister Christian Porter described the research as "eye-opening".
Mr Porter pointed to girls in the research group who excused aggressive behaviour with "he's probably just trying to get a bit of attention". Boys similarly said, "he is just trying to be heard".
One in six Australian women over 15 have experienced physical or sexual violence from a current or former partner. One in four women has experienced emotional abuse from a current or former partner.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or family violence, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit http://www.1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call triple-0.
