We all know that domestic violence can happen to anyone.
Survivors of abuse can be young or old, of any gender, sexuality, race, or cultural background. They may have a disability, they may not. Abuse affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men during their lifetime. These are people who you know. They may be people you pass once on the street, friends, family, or work colleagues.
Domestic violence has an enormous impact on every aspect of a survivor’s life, and that includes their work. In fact, domestic violence can be a serious threat to a survivor’s job prospects and job security.
For survivors, domestic violence can mean poorer performance at work as they struggle to focus. They might also struggle with timekeeping as they balance work with the demands of their abuser. They may need to take time off work, either because their abuser forces them to remain at home, or because they are seeking treatment for injuries caused by the perpetrator.*
The time that women take off work due to injuries caused by domestic violence means a loss of £1.9 billion per year to the UK economy.
Even in cases where the survivor of abuse is able to regularly go to work, their abuser may further control them by denying them access to their earnings.
You can learn more about the impact of domestic violence on workers and the workplace here.
Anybody in any profession can experience violence at home, and it’s really important to think about how your workplace is supporting survivors. Does your organisation have a domestic violence policy in place? If so, do you know what’s in it?
If you’re concerned that a coworker may be experiencing abuse, then don’t be afraid to offer support. Though they might not feel able to discuss their experiences initially, let them know that you’ll listen and offer them support if they feel able to talk about what’s happening in their life.
Don’t pressure survivors into talking about their experiences if they don’t feel ready to share them.
Read more about supporting colleagues and others through domestic violence here.
Finally, if you’re experiencing domestic violence, then you can call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you’re in immediate danger, call 999.
*Developing a Workplace Policy on Domestic Abuse: Guidance for employers NIO 2006