Background

Family and domestic violence is a national emergency with reports of violence on the rise. Australian Statistics suggest that 1 in 6 women experience family and domestic violence, with a much higher rate affecting Aboriginal women and women living with disability.

Avivo is an employer of over 1200 employees, the majority of whom are women, from a range of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

In November to December 2022, one of our colleagues, Lynn Cannon was murdered by her ex-husband. The profound effects of Lynn’s death resulted in us wanting to learn how to better support our colleagues experiencing family and domestic violence.

Many employees do not go to their employer for support due to fear, shame and barriers unintentionally created by how their employers operate. Avivo wants to be known as a safe, supportive, and responsive employer that all employees know they can trust and receive support from. We remember Lynn, and the many victims of violence, as we work to improve the way we stand with employees experiencing family and domestic violence.

This ongoing work is dedicated to Lynn and her family.

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Avivo CEO Kate Fulton and Lynn Cannon’s sister, Jacqui Darley, were interviewed on ABC Radio by presenter Nadia Mitsopoulos for Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.

Kate and Jacqui bravely discuss the impact Family and Domestic Violence has on victims and their loved ones, and how Avivo is leading the way in assisting colleagues who are experiencing FDV.

Please take time to listen to the recording. We know this may be upsetting for some people, but please know that help is available.