Domestic Abuse in the workplace. 

Domestic abuse is a hugely destructive problem, and we have a collective responsibility to tackle it. Employers have an important role to play in society’s response to domestic abuse. Employers owe a duty of care to employees and have a legal responsibility to provide a safe and effective work environment. 

One in four women and one in six men suffer from domestic abuse in their lifetime and domestic abuse costs businesses £1.9 billion every year due to decreased productivity, time off work, lost wages and sick pay. In the UK, nearly 2 million people experienced domestic abuse in the last year alone. 

With one third of a working adult’s life spent in work, employers are in a unique position to create a supportive workplace culture that encourages the identification of health and wellbeing needs and to help break the silence around this issue. 

Public Health at Warwickshire County Council are in the process of organising a CPD Accredited Course: Domestic Abuse Awareness and Support in the Workplace which focuses on how to Recognise, Respond, Record, and Refer a victim/survivor to support. Recognising that domestic abuse affects everyone, this course is inclusive of all genders, cultures, and backgrounds - using lived experience examples throughout. This will be available to third sector organisations within Warwickshire. To keep up to date with the courses and when they become available, please visit Talk2Someone Warwickshire. 

Networks for Employers 

Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) - A free-to-join members' network of employers, the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) supports over 1,900 large and small businesses, collectively comprising over 25% of the UK workforce, to take effective action on domestic abuse. 

Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC) - The Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant is a pledge by businesses to support women affected by abuse to enter or re-enter the workplace. 

Get Support 

'Refuge' is Warwickshire's Domestic Violence and Abuse Accommodation and Support (WDVA) service - If you are experiencing domestic abuse in Warwickshire, Refuge’s domestic violence and abuse service can support you and your children to keep safe. Refuge is a county-wide service that provides support to women, men and children experiencing domestic abuse in Warwickshire. 

Warwickshire’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Service Helpline – 0800 408 1552.  

You can also contact Warwickshire’s Domestic Violence and Abuse Service via email - DVSW@refuge.org.uk 

Refuge website: https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/refuge-domestic-violence-service-warwickshire/