The SDA recognises the devastating impact domestic and family violence is having on our community. Everyone in the community has a role to play in ending domestic and family violence, including unions. Domestic and family violence doesn’t just affect you at home; it can affect you at work too. This includes your ability to get to work on time, your attendance at work, your work performance, your safety and the safety of your co-workers. The SDA assists workers experiencing domestic and family violence, by providing:  information about, and access to, entitlements;  assistance with negotiating flexible working arrangements;  liaison with management on your behalf; and  support in developing a safety action plan with your employer. We also argue for domestic violence leave to be included in every Agreement negotiated by the SDA. More than 1.6 million Australian workers already have access to domestic violence leave thanks to union-negotiated agreements. Additionally, we’re campaigning for paid domestic and family violence leave to CAMPAIGN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PRACTICALSUPPORT ATYOURFINGERTIPS be included in the National Employment Standards (NES) so all workers can access paid leave if they need to. FINANCIAL ABUSE Financial abuse is a common form of domestic and family violence, where victims are controlled by being isolated from household financial information and access to funds. Financial security is a key element in ensuring women’s long-term safety from violence as poverty and financial hardship often cause women to stay in, or return to, abusive relationships. A NEW APP AIMS TO HELP The SDA recognises the need for practical support for women experiencing domestic and family violence, so we are proud to support the development of a new national app, Penda, by the Women’s Legal Service Queensland. Penda is a national, free, easy-to-use app combining financial, personal safety and legal information, as well as nationwide referrals for a range of vital services for women who have experienced domestic and family violence (DFV). Friends, family, employers and support people can also use Penda to help others. The safety of Penda users is paramount. The app includes safety warnings prior to and after download. THE SHOP ASSISTANT SUMMER 2017 25 Penda provides information on risk factors, safety planning, and the safe use of technology. Penda is Australia’s first financial empowerment app for women who have experienced domestic and family violence. Penda helps to break the cycle of violence and build safer, more secure futures. Penda was developed by Women’s Legal Service Queensland in collaboration with Financial Rights Legal Centre with funding from Financial Literacy Australia. A national communication campaign was made possible with funding from CUA. You can download the Penda app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.