One Generation business alliance aims to combat domestic and family violence
This alliance, the first of its kind in Australia, is co-founded by Thriving Communities Australia and social enterprise Flequity Ventures, with seven founding corporate members including AGL, EnergyAustralia, Origin, Suncorp, Optus, South East Water and Yarra Valley Water.
Pat McCafferty, Managing Director Yarra Valley Water, emphasised the importance of this alliance.
“At Yarra Valley Water, we believe in the power of collective action to address critical social issues and help communities thrive. By joining the 'One Generation' alliance, we have committed to do what we can to prevent domestic and family violence, and provide safer support for our customers,” Mr McCafferty said.
The alliance aims to address domestic and family violence, a critical issue affecting every part of the community. The statistics are sobering: one in four women in Australia has experienced violence from an intimate partner since the age of 15, and a woman is murdered every four days.
Yarra Valley Water and the founding corporate members are establishing the program, funding research on the lived experiences of diverse customers, and developing tools and resources. This will enable businesses to provide better support for customers experiencing domestic and family violence.
Ms Lisa Anelli, Yarra Valley Water’s Acting General Manager Retail Services, believes business has a critical role to play in ensuring we offer better and safer support for customers impacted by domestic and family violence.
“When someone experiencing domestic and family violence reaches out to an essential service provider, it might be the first time they have sought support. We know that the impact businesses can have in that moment can be life-changing,” Ms Anelli said.
The One Generation alliance has been publicly endorsed by Rosie Batty AO, 2015 Australian of the Year, and Micaela Cronin, the Domestic, Family & Sexual Violence Commissioner.
Yarra Valley Water’s participation in 'One Generation' reflects its broader commitment to social responsibility and community wellbeing.
“This initiative aligns with our purpose to support the health and wellbeing of our communities and the natural environment,” Mr McCafferty said. “Together, we can make a significant difference and work towards ending domestic and family violence in one generation.”
This announcement follows Yarra Valley Water’s recent commitment to the 'Respect and Protect' initiative, which aims to disrupt financial abuse through smarter product and service design, ensuring greater protection for victim-survivors.
The alliance is calling on other business leaders to join them to further enhance the impact One Generation can make.
For more information about the One Generation alliance visit: thriving.org.au/One-Generation
For more information about Yarra Valley Water’s support for customers experiencing domestic and family violence visit: yvw.com.au/fvsupport