Orange based domestic violence service Housing Plus is running the Domestic Violence Project to help business people understand how to help employees who may be affected by domestic violence.

On Wednesday Orange City Council managers and employers took part in an information session as part of the three-tiered program, which includes training, resources and practical strategies for supporting staff by strengthening workplace systems.

Housing Plus community client programs regional manager Penny Dordoy said about two thirds of people who experience domestic violence are in paid employment so it was good to get the council on board.

“It was great to have some men here because men also experience domestic violence, we’re not just talking about intimate partner violence,” Ms Dordoy said.

Orange mayor John Davis said Orange has one of the highest reports of domestic violence in the state and what happens at home can affect productivity and wellbeing in any workplace.

Ms Dordoy said domestic violence is also not always physical and can carry into the workplace so it was important for employers to know how to identify it, support their employee and let staff know there are structures and processes in place if they are in such a situation.

“If a family member dies or there’s an illness in the family you know how the employer will react but with domestic violence you don’t know how the employer will react,” she said.

In some cases she said perpetrators sabotage an employee’s job by making them late for work, constantly phoning during working hours, insisting the victim pick up their call within the first three rings, making them upset before getting to work, taking away money, not allowing them to attend after work social activities or training as well as regularly visiting the business and intimidating the employee.