General news

In support of this campaign, the initiative calls for global action to increase awareness, galvanise advocacy efforts and share knowledge and innovations to help end all types of violence against women and girls. 

What is financial coercive control?   

Gender-based violence presents in many forms and can leave a deep impact.  

FSU National President Wendy Streets recently spoke out about one such form – financial coercive control.  

“Keeping someone living under or within the poverty line is one of the easiest ways to keep them from feeling like they’ve got no access to escape the violence that is happening to them,” Wendy said.  

“Violence is not always in the form of physical violence. Financial violence can be very debilitating and an effective control mechanism.”  

Wendy said many FSU members who have customer facing roles often receive a level of training in how to identify any person who appears to be under financial coercive control by their partner.  

“At an appropriate time they will then raise this concern with the person, obviously only when it’s safe to do so,” she said.  

“Having people in society who actually understand and recognise that this is a form of domestic violence is really important to assisting these people to get out of their dreadful situation.” 

Protecting workers through conditions 

Together with the trade union movement, the FSU actively works to protect workers from all forms of violence and harassment including campaigning for progressive conditions in Enterprise Agreements. 

This includes negotiating for vital conditions like paid domestic and family violence (DFV) leave that is unlimited and extended to staff who are assisting or caring for a family member who is a victim of DFV, and the elimination of evidence requirements in the DFV clause.  

We also actively seek input from members on vital issues like sexual harassment and sexism at work – our recent survey will inform an important report which we hope will help drive positive change in the finance industry and in workplaces.  

Get involved  

In support of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, there are a number of events taking place.  

Victorians can take part in a range of events through Victorian Trades Hall Council, including a Walk Against Family Violence, Feminist Hall Tours and more. See all events here.  

FSU members can also take part in Australian Services Union’s special online webinar on 6 December, 12pm (AEDT). The event will feature ACTU President Michele O’Neil discussing the importance of the Closing Loopholes Bill for working women, ASU members on recent legislative changes to family law, and APHEDA on the plight of women around the globe. Register to attend the event here.  

You can also help raise awareness about gender-based violence on social media by using the hashtags #16days.  

Find out more about the global initiative here.