TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including emotional trauma. If you or someone you know is affected by these issues, please prioritise your well-being and consider listening to a different episode or proceed with caution. If you feel overwhelmed at any point, it's okay to take a break or seek support.

This episode is part of our Domestic Violence Mini-Series, and today we focus on a critical and often overlooked topic: workplace violence and emotional abuse.

In this episode, we discuss the intersection of workplace violence and domestic violence, exploring how power imbalances can manifest both at work and at home. We share a lived experience from a brave woman who faced workplace bullying and emotional abuse, shedding light on how these subtle but harmful behaviors can deeply affect mental health and productivity.

We explore:

• The hidden nature of workplace emotional abuse
• The similarities between domestic violence and workplace bullying
• Strategies for addressing and preventing violence in professional environments

Workplace and domestic violence are often connected, reinforcing each other through the unequal power dynamics at their core. Our goal is to bring these issues into the light, fostering understanding and encouraging solutions for a safer, more equitable world.

Let’s be real—we can’t change or cover everything in one podcast series. But what we can do is start the conversation. If this episode helps even one person recognise the signs of emotional abuse or points them toward safety, it’s worth it. It’s not about perfection, it’s about offering hope and shedding light on what’s often kept in the dark.

Support and Help Lines:

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, reaching out to professionals can be life-changing.

1800RESPECT: A national sexual assault, domestic, and family violence counseling service. Confidential and available 24/7. Call: 1800 737 732. Visit the Website

Relationships Australia: Offers counseling, mediation, and support services. Call: 1300 364 277

Men’s Referral Service: Support for men using family violence, offering confidential counseling and resources. Call: 1300 766 491

Family Relationship Advice Line: Offers information and support for family separation, parenting arrangements, and more. Call: 1800 050 321

Women’s Health Centres: Specialized support for women affected by domestic violence, including counseling and medical services. Contact your local center.

In Immediate Danger: Call: Triple Zero (000)

Legal Protection Orders

If you need protection, apply for legal orders such as Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs) or similar orders in your state or territory.

Tech Safety Tips

For technology-related abuse, contact WESNET or visit the eSafety Commissioner for guidance on how to protect yourself from tech-facilitated abuse.

References