National Australia Bank : NAB launches campaign against domestic and family violence

NAB has launched the 'Join Together' campaign against domestic and family violence, which includes extending the bank's leading domestic and family violence support policy, posting messages on over 1,700 NAB ATM transaction screens and Redi ATMs around Australia, and providing new information online.

NAB Chief People Officer Lorraine Murphy said, 'Domestic and family violence often goes unseen, but one in four women in Australia is estimated to be subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. This kind of violence hurts so many people in our community, including children. We can all play a role in ending it.'

'NAB was one of the first ASX listed companies, and first major Australian bank, to provide paid leave to support our employees who are survivors of domestic and family violence. Today we are announcing that we will also provide reasonable paid leave to any employee who is providing support to a family or an immediate household member experiencing domestic or family violence, in relation to court hearings, relocation or other necessary appointments,' Ms Murphy said.

NAB's campaign, launched in the lead up to White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, was developed in partnership with family violence expert and survivor Kristy McKellar. Ms McKellar welcomed the extension to NAB's policy, saying: 'It is bold leadership like this that is necessary to provide critical support to survivors and their families when they need it most'.

Ms McKellar gave evidence against her convicted violent former partner in various court proceedings, which continued across several years. 'It is overwhelming being confronted by the unrelenting obstacles of the system. I would never have made it through such a difficult time without my parents by my side during such a re-traumatising event,' she said.

Information about warning signs of domestic and family violence and financial abuse, and how NAB can help can be found at nab.com.au/endtoviolence.

NAB's leadership in addressing family violence

• In 2013, NAB was the first major bank to introduce a Domestic Violence Support Policy - including special paid leave for those dealing with domestic and family violence.
• In 2016, NAB became the first Australian bank to offer Domestic and Family Violence Assistance Grants to help customers experiencing financial hardship to escape violent homes.
• In 2017, NAB granted $1.4 million to support organisations driving innovative, scalable solutions in domestic and family violence prevention and intervention, and in building financial capability.