Domestic and family violence does not stay behind closed doors. It follows people to work, affecting focus, confidence, attendance, relationships with colleagues, and career progression. For many victim-survivors, the workplace is both a lifeline and a place of quiet struggle. In this episode, Jo Mason is joined by Elizabeth, a victim-survivor who experienced DFV while working in a senior role. Elizabeth shares how the violence shaped her working life in ways she could not always name at the time, and how she found her way back to herself, her confidence, and her career. This podcast is proudly brought to you by Verdella, an online domestic and family violence recovery programme designed to support victim-survivors in practical and meaningful ways, helping people reclaim empowerment, regain motivation, and plan their next steps with confidence. Verdella is available through licensing partnerships with employers and community service organisations committed to supporting recovery and wellbeing. Visit verdella.com.au to learn more.
In This Episode - How DFV affects performance, confidence, and connection at work
- The role of hypervigilance, shame, and self-isolation in the workplace
- Why the workplace can be both the only safe place and the hardest place to show up
- What Elizabeth did to begin her recovery, including counselling, community, and learning to trust herself again
- The role of one trusted colleague and why informal support matters as much as formal policy
- What workplaces can do beyond policies and awareness days
- Elizabeth's two pieces of advice for anyone struggling at work as a result of DFV
A Note on Hannah Clark In this episode, Elizabeth references the Hannah Clark tragedy. Hannah Clark and her three children were killed in Brisbane in 2020 by her estranged husband. Her parents, Lloyd and Sue, have since become fierce advocates for change, and Hannah's story has had a profound impact on awareness and action on domestic and family violence across Queensland and nationally. Hannah's legacy continues to shape the conversation.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode Please note: Some services listed below are specific to Queensland. If you are located elsewhere in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT (below) to be connected with your local equivalent.
Immediate Support 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week DVConnect Womensline (QLD): 1800 811 811 | dvconnect.org | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Reading and Resources: Elizabeth Recommends Dr. Ramani Durvasula, Psychologist and author specialising in narcissistic abuse, coercive control, and recovery.
Book: It's Not You by Dr. Ramani Durvasula, available through major booksellers.
Workplace Support WorkHaven: Workplace domestic and family violence education, training, and consulting. workhaven.com.au | hello@workhaven.com.au
Recovery Support Verdella DFV Recovery Programme: An online recovery programme for victim-survivors, available through employer and community organisation partnerships. verdella.com.au
A Note for Listeners This episode covers topics related to domestic and family violence and its emotional and psychological impact. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If anything comes up for you, support is available. 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au | Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
For Workplaces If you are an employer or HR professional and this episode has prompted you to think about what support your organisation provides, WorkHaven can help. From training and policy development to the WorkHaven Workplace Health Check, every organisation can take practical steps, regardless of size or budget. Meaningful support does not require a large programme. Sometimes it begins with one person, one conversation, and a commitment to listening without judgement.
About Verdella Verdella proudly brings you Rise and Reclaim, an online domestic violence recovery programme that walks alongside people as they rebuild their lives after DFV. Available free to participants through licensed workplaces and community service organisations. Visit verdella.com.au to find out more.
Connect with WorkHaven workhaven.com.au hello@workhaven.com.au Subscribe and follow Rise and Reclaim so you do not miss future episodes. And if this podcast has resonated with you, please share it, you never know who might need to hear it.
