Better practice in responding to family violence

This better practice guide aims to help water and energy businesses implement safe and effective family violence responses. It was developed with the support of regulated energy and water businesses. 

The guide is based on five principles:

• Develop an informed approach that works for the organisation.
• Lead from the top and demonstrate accountability.
• Prioritise safety and choice for victim-survivors.
• Build a culture of awareness, internally and externally. 
• Acknowledge and address barriers to access. 

It features practical advice and in-depth case studies from major organisations in industries including banking, telecommunications, sport, postal services, energy and water. 

Our family violence framework

We have developed a family violence framework that incorporates changes to our energy and water codes following recommendations by Victoria’s Royal Commission into Family Violence. We updated the rural and urban water customer service codes and the Energy Retail Code to include minimum requirements for family violence assistance for customers. The Energy Retail Code also includes a family violence assistance entitlement, developed in consultation with the energy sector.

This family violence framework forms our ongoing commitment to working with the water and energy sectors to support collaboration and better practice in responding to family violence.

For more information about our family violence-related work, view our family violence resources for businesses.