Retail workers are the face of our communities. From supermarkets to service stations, chemists to convenience stores — they keep our economy moving and ensure people have access to essentials every day.
But for too many of them, going to work also means bracing for abuse.
According to the NSW Government, 85% of retail workers have experienced abuse on the job, and 1 in 10 have been spat on. These aren’t just numbers — they reflect the daily experiences of real people simply trying to do their jobs.
In response, the NSW Government has launched the Shop Respect campaign: a clear and timely message that violence and aggression against retail workers is never okay.
The campaign — backed by major retailers, unions, and frontline advocates — seeks to shift the public’s behaviour and raise expectations around how we treat retail staff. Because abuse shouldn’t be normalised, and it should never be part of the job.
But awareness alone isn’t enough. Employers and industry leaders also need to take practical steps to protect workers, respond swiftly to incidents, and empower staff to feel safe and supported on every shift.
That’s where technology plays a critical role.
At Duress, we believe safety should never be left to chance. That’s why we’ve built a simple, powerful platform that lets workers get help instantly — often without saying a word.
Whether it’s a customer who becomes aggressive, or a situation that escalates too quickly to control, staff should never feel alone or helpless.
With Duress, they can:
✅ Request police with a tap
✅ Access 24/7 emergency monitoring
✅ Stream live video, audio, and location to our response team in real time
It’s fast. It’s discreet. And it’s always connected.
Whether used on its own or integrated into existing store operations, Duress gives retail teams peace of mind — knowing that help is only ever a tap away.
Campaigns like Shop Respect are vital to shifting public attitudes — but they also serve as a reminder of what retail staff face every day.
As leaders, customers, and communities, we have a shared responsibility:
To treat frontline workers with dignity
To support their safety and wellbeing
And to give them the tools they need to feel confident on the job
Duress is proud to support organisations that prioritise their people — because respect at work starts with making sure everyone feels safe at work.
📢 Learn more about the NSW Government’s Shop Respect campaign:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/shop-respect-violence-and-aggression-against-retail-workers-never-okay