Domestic abuse in the workplace
Find out how you, as an employer, can help prevent and tackle domestic abuse and promote a safe and supportive workplace.
Useful numbers
Surrey domestic abuse helpline
01483 776822
9am to 9pm, 7 days a week
provided by yourSanctuary
Surrey Police
999 (emergency)
101 (non-emergency)
Have you ever considered how domestic abuse affects your workforce? Maybe not, as it continues to be largely unspoken about and under reported. One in four women and one in six men will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime and it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, sexuality or race. In Surrey our vision is for every adult and child experiencing domestic abuse to be seen, safe and heard, and free from the harm caused by perpetrator behaviour. Domestic abuse doesn't always involved physical violence. Sustained controlling behaviour and emotional pressure are also forms of abuse. Employers owe a duty of care to employees and have a legal responsibility to promote a safe and effective work environment. Preventing and tackling domestic abuse is an integral part of this. So what can you do?
- Introduce an internal workforce policy about how you will support staff affected by domestic abuse and raise awareness of domestic abuse and the specialist support services available across Surrey with your managers and workforce. You can request a template workforce policy by email: communitysafety@surreycc.gov.uk
- Join the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse, their key aim is to enable employers, many of whom have no experience in this area, to support employees facing domestic abuse and to help employees who are perpetrators stop.
- Contact the Everyone's Business Advice Line run by Hestia, a resource for employers to advise them on how to approach disclosures of domestic abuse by their employees. Call 07770480437 or 0203 8793695 or email: Adviceline.EB@hestia.org
- Join Surrey's growing network of White Ribbon Ambassadors and Champions and take the pledge never to commit, excuse, or remain silent about male violence against women