Dawn uses the time to stay with her sister in another town and to get specialist help from a domestic violence support agency.
Back at work, Fran lightens Dawn’s duties and gives her time off for crisis counselling. To help Dawn get safely to and from work in her first week, Fran decides to pay for a cab.
Several months later she approves Dawn’s request to work reduced hours for up to two months.
Dawn wants to focus on her daughter, who is lashing out at day care because of what she witnessed at home. Fran agrees to reduce Dawn’s hours and spread them over different days.
Back on her feet and grateful for Fran’s support, Dawn returns to her contracted hours, more committed and engaged.
The following year, Fran is happy to give Dawn additional time off. She realises dealing with domestic violence will not be a quick fix, and knows Dawn’s increased confidence and output will more than make up for the days’ paid time off.