Advice and resources for employers
Who can help with domestic abuse?
There are resources and training available for employers and workplaces to raise awareness about domestic abuse:
- Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse - free resources and tools, created by a network of over 1,000 small and large employers.
- Domestic abuse training for employers - SafeLives offer training and support for employers, managers and HR staff from domestic abuse experts.
If you'd like to speak to someone about concerns you have for your employee's welfare, please check our list of local and national organisations that provide support for domestic abuse.
More support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse
Impact of domestic abuse on businesses
Domestic abuse can have a huge effect on employees and businesses.
- 35-75 per cent of people affected by domestic abuse are targeted at work.
- 80 per cent of businesses believe they have a duty to support staff experiencing domestic abuse.
- Only 5 per cent of businesses have a domestic abuse policy.
- Businesses with an effective workplace policy and guidance on domestic abuse have higher chances of retaining staff. [citation?]
Changes to look for in your employees
You can look out for changes in your employees that may suggest that they're being abused at home or at the workplace.
Some changes you can look out for include:
- Changes in their productivity at work.
- Changes in their behaviour.
- Physical indicators, such as suspicious bruises or injuries.
How to respond if you think your employee is being abused
If you think your employee needs help, you can speak to them and let them know that there is support available.
Here are some tips to help you have this conversation:
- Listen without judging.
- Help them work out what they need to do.
- Encourage them to seek help or call the police.
- Provide help with safety planning.
- Consider their safety and find a safe way to talk to them.
- Contact the police if you witness or hear assaults, or if they're at immediate risk of harm.
Here are some ways you could start the conversation:
- "How are you doing at the moment?"
- "Your wellbeing is important, and I've noticed that you seem distracted or upset at the moment - are you okay?"
- "If there's anything you'd like to talk to me about at any time, I'm always here to support you."
- "Is everything okay at home?"
- "Is there any extra support you need at work? We can look at your workload, working hours or location?"