Survivors of domestic abuse face ongoing financial strain and workplace challenges

Cathy Oddie survived financial, psychological and physical abuse from two partners, accumulating $70,000 in debt after a breakup and facing legal threats over her superannuation. She now works as a lived-experience advocate, serves on boards and receives JobSeeker payments, but says she has never felt supported by employers, some of whom required court evidence during work hours. The Rebuild report reveals that 71% of employers believe they can spot domestic violence, yet only eight percent of survivors say their workplace has taken an active role in helping them, and 89% worry about disclosing abuse at work.

While most employers know about the statutory ten days of paid domestic-violence leave, just 34% of survivors are aware of this right. Experts call for better training, dedicated safe-contact personnel and government-funded research to map employment pathways for survivors.