Domestic abuse in the workplace
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse (DA) can affect anyone. It occurs in a range of relationships, including with a current or ex-partner, or a family member. DA isn’t always physical. Any type of threatening, controlling or coercive behaviour is abuse – whether it’s physical, psychological, sexual, economic or emotional.
Signs that an employee may be the victim of DA include:
- being withdrawn, or being isolated from family and friends
- having bruises, burns or physical injuries
- having their finances controlled, or not being given enough money to buy food, medication or pay bills
- not being allowed to leave their house, or being stopped from to work
- having their internet or social media use monitored, or someone else reading their texts, emails or letters
- being repeatedly belittled, put down or told they are worthless
- being told that abuse is their fault, or that they are overreacting
Employers and domestic abuse
Employers have a duty to safeguard the wellbeing of staff. Statutory guidance accompanying the DA Act 2021 makes clear that employers should consider the impact of domestic abuse on their employees as part of their duty of care.
DA can follow a survivor into the workplace. 47% of those experiencing DA say that their perpetrator turned up at their workplace or stalked them outside their place of work.
DA is a workplace issue. Even when the perpetrator does not enter the workplace or pursue their victim at work, DA nearly always impacts the survivor’s productivity and ability to work:
- Nearly 9 out of 10 workers experiencing DA said it impacted their performance at work
- Over half of those experiencing DA have to take time off work because of abuse, and nearly half were late to work
There’s a clear financial impact too, with an estimated £17 billion lost to businesses each year through decreased productivity and time off work due to DA.
This article, published by People Management, sets out how employers can build a supportive and empowering environment for those experiencing DA, including the barriers employees may face when seeking support.
Supporting employees
Let your employees know that if they are facing DA you want to help them to get help. Stay in regular contact with employees you know, or fear, may be facing abuse and if you lose contact with them, take swift action to visit them. If you believe there is an immediate risk of harm to someone, or it is an emergency, always call 999.
Encourage employees to look out for others who may be facing domestic abuse and signpost them to support. Your staff may also be worried about their own abusive behaviour at this time. There is no excuse for domestic abuse, no matter what stresses a person is under, and support is available.
Hestia’s Respond to Abuse Advice Line is a free resource for employers. Employers can call 020 3879 3695 Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or email adviceline.eb@hestia.org for support, guidance or information about domestic abuse and how to support employees and colleagues experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse handbook
Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) is free to join and will give your organisation access to a whole host of resources and events to start or develop your workplace response to tackling DA. The EIDA Handbook is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for any employer wanting to help tackle DA.
Domestic abuse policy template
Sharon’s Policy is a FREE DA policy template accompanied by guidance notes, initially developed in 2021 through a collaboration with the Domestic Abuse Alliance, Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse and HR Dept. The policy calls for businesses to recognise, respond, and refer when it comes to DA.
Employers are encouraged to download and implement ‘Sharon’s Policy’ and refer to the guidance notes to tailor a domestic abuse policy suited to their specific business needs.Top of Form
Bottom of Form
This policy is annually reviewed and updated in line with government legislation changes.
Domestic abuse and pregnancy
30% of domestic abuse begins during pregnancy, and 40-60% of woman experiencing abuse, are abused during pregnancy. Protecting Every Future is a FREE guide developed in partnership with Domestic Abuse Alliance and The HR Dept. It aims to raise awareness and provide support resources for employees who may be experiencing domestic abuse while pregnant, during maternity leave or on their return to work.
The guide provides clear, actionable recommendations on how to adapt existing family-friendly workplace policies and procedures to better support those affected.
Domestic abuse toolkit for employers
Business in the Community’s Domestic Abuse: Toolkit for Employers was co-produced by Public Health England (PHE) and Business in the Community (BITC) in 2018. This updated version, supported by the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), includes information on the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act, new resources, initiatives and case studies.
This toolkit will help your organisation to support your employees and contribute to tackling domestic abuse. It is a guide for employers, attending to the challenges they face when seeking to implement domestic abuse policies and support, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in new ways of working.
Free webinar – Impact of Domestic Abuse on the Workplace and Employment
Join Alpha Vesta, whose aim is to reduce the social and economic costs of domestic abuse across our communities through awareness, prevention and early intervention, for a free webinar exploring the impact of domestic abuse on the workplace and employment, highlighting the ripple effect.
The next webinar will be held on Monday 14th July 2025, 10:00-12:00. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Local and national support
Information about local support services can be found on East Sussex County Council’s website, and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safe Space Sussex website. The Government website provides information on how to get help nationally, including how to check whether someone has an abusive past and how to apply for a court order.