DPMC boss Martin Parkinson says the public service must confront the impact of violence against women as a workplace and moral issue.

“Two thirds of all women who are subject to domestic violence are actually at work,” Mr Parkinson said at an anti-domestic violence event this week.

“Anybody who says this isn't a workplace issue is just delusional.

“It impacts on the way in which they do their jobs, how they interact with their colleagues.”

“As head of the public service, it is absolutely critical that we do our bit along with all the other parts of the Australian business community.

“Business takes it seriously, government has to take it seriously,” Dr Parkinson said.

Dr Parkinson joined a group of senior bureaucrats to sign the White Ribbon Day pledge this week, marking a committed to take action against violence between women and men.

Dr Parkinson said the pledge was part of wider efforts to send a message to staff and the wider Australian community.

“It is to say to those people who are victims and survivors that we are with you, we're supporting you and we have the tools to help you,” Dr Parkinson said.

“To the perpetrators, it is to say enough is enough.”

The signatories included associate secretary Andrew Tongue and deputy secretaries David Gruen, Allan McKinnon, Ian Anderson, Tony Sheehan, Lin Hatfield Dodds, Yael Cass.

“We have just got to say stop,” Dr Parkinson said.

“Domestic violence is not an easy issue, there's no simple solution.

“We're also saying to the perpetrators that this is a crime and it has got to stop, but we can help you if you want to be helped.

“Every one of our departments, our key portfolio agencies, have employee assistance providers. They are there, they know how to help people. Please, please just go and seek help.

“As your employer, whether you're seeking help because you are a victim or whether you are seeking help because you are a perpetrator and you don't want to be, we've put in place mechanisms to help,” he said.