Endeavour Group Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Training

Leading drinks and hospitality business Endeavour Group will offer domestic and family violence awareness training to its 28,000 team members, who are members of more than 1600 communities in Australia.

Endeavour Group’s team interacts with thousands of customers every week through its brands including BWS, Dan Murphy’s and ALH Hotels.

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“The ripple effect of educating team members who live and work in so many Australian communities can be truly powerful,”said BWS Managing Director Scott Davidson.

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The training, which has been developed by Endeavour Group in close consultation with the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service 1800RESPECT, will educate team members on what constitutes domestic and family violence; what to do if they see signs of abuse; how to report it; and support systems that are in place.

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“We want our team to feel supported and to have the best information readily available to deal with critical issues, so they can remain safe and continue to serve local communities effectively and with empathy,” Mr Davidson said.

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“Earlier this year a female sought refuge in a BWS store, while seeking safety from her male partner. Team members quickly locked the door and called the police. The team acted bravely and did the right thing to keep the woman, team members and other customers safe inside the store. The new training will build awareness, but also empower team members to handle situations like this safely,” Mr Davidson added.

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Federal Minister for Families and Social Services and Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston commended the training, and encouraged other Australian companies to follow Endeavour Group’s lead.

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“Domestic and family violence is a complex issue that must be addressed by working collaboratively across the private and public sectors,” Minister Ruston said.

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“It is great to see companies such as Endeavour Group taking a leadership role in creating change by building a positive workplace culture and educating staff.”

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Endeavour Group’s Learning & Development team started developing the training alongside 1800RESPECT after engaging with NSW Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Mark Speakman.
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“Domestic violence destroys lives, and it’s clear that the only way to stop this scourge is by working together. Raising awareness and training workers can only have positive impacts and may very well save someone’s life,” Minister Speakman said.

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The training is being rolled out in stages across Endeavour Group and its brands, and will also include delivery drivers, customer service agents and support offices.

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“Our drivers deliver directly to doorsteps, so they interact with customers at their own homes everyday. This training will be invaluable for both them and the community as they can encounter people in potentially vulnerable situations,” Endeavour Group’s General Manager of Endeavour X Claire Smith said.

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Endeavour Group also offers other support for team members who may be impacted by domestic and family violence including access to personal leave, financial assistance and mental health support.

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“At Endeavour Group, we are committed to creating a more sociable future together, which is why we’re really pleased to work with organisations like 1800RESPECT to enable meaningful change,” Ms Smith said.

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“We thank Senator Ruston, Minister Speakman and 1800RESPECT, for supporting us on this path. We still have a lot to learn, and this is only the beginning.”

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According to stats from 1800RESPECT, 1 in 4 Australian women have experienced intimate partner violence.

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“Sexual assault, domestic and family violence is prevalent in every postcode of our country. It does not discriminate. To address this issue at its core requires everyone to play their part to turn it off at the tap. This includes corporates, government, local community groups, schools, universities and amongst friendship circles. A program like this is a step in the right direction,” Head of 1800RESPECT Fiona Mort said.

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For more information, images or interviews, please contact [email protected]

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About Endeavour Group

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Endeavour Group is Australia’s leading drinks and hospitality business. The Group employs 28,000 team members across its retail brands BWS, Dan Murphy’s, Cellarmasters, Langton’s, Shorty’s and Jimmy Brings; its hotel business ALH Hotels; and its production and distribution business Pinnacle Drinks.

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About 1800RESPECT

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‍1800RESPECT is the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling and support service. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is an initiative by the Federal Government Department of Social Services. It is part of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010-2022.