UK: Employers Have Duty to Spot Signs of Domestic Abuse

UK employers are being urged to look out for early signs of domestic abuse among their workers.

After a recent government report found few employers are aware of the signs of domestic abuse and even fewer have a clear policy in place to support survivors, Business Minister Paul Scully has penned an open letter to all UK employers urging greater awareness and support for survivors.

The letter details eight simple steps employers can take to ensure they are spotting signs of domestic abuse and helping victims find the necessary support. It comes after troubling reports of a sustained increase in calls for domestic abuse services.

Refuge reported an 80% increase in calls to their domestic abuse during the first lockdown in March last year, with recent reports indicating the surge is continuing during the UK’s second lockdown.

According to Scully, employers are uniquely placed to help spot signs of abuse because they are often the only people survivors talk to each day outside of their home.

“Whether it is providing a safe space to disclose issues, or helping put workers in touch with the right organisations, employers can be a bridge between a worker and the support they need.”

Scully says a lack of awareness of and stigma around speaking about domestic abuse has prevented workplaces from putting in place the kind of help survivors desperately need.

Comparing the issue to mental health awareness, Scully says it was once taboo to talk openly about mental health but now most workplaces have well-established procedures in place to support staff.

There is no expectation on employers to become specialists in handling domestic abuse or take on the role of healthcare worker or counsellor, but employers should be aware of warning signs such as an individual becoming more withdrawn than usual, sudden drops in performance or mentioning controlling behaviours in their partner.

With effective procedures in place, every person in the workplace should feel comfortable raising an issue and no longer shy away from difficult conversations.

The government has now published the final report from its review into workplace support for victims of domestic abuse. The review was launched last year to collect evidence into what more both the government and employers could be doing to address domestic abuse.

Scully announced plans to consult further on what steps can be taken to ensure survivors are better able to exercise their employment rights, including the right to request flexible working.

A working group of employers, representatives of domestic abuse victims and trade unions will also convene regularly to establish practical solutions employers can implement in the workplace, and to measure their impact on supporting survivors.

Scully said he recognises the difficulty in knowing where to start but hopes employers will consult the simple steps outlined in his letter so survivors can access the help they need quickly and effectively.

To read the full letter, visit here.