Domestic Abuse and the workplace

Did you know that more than two women a week and 2 men per month are killed by current or ex-partners? These figures are sadly rising. Currently one in four women in the UK will experience domestic violence sometime in their lives. However, domestic abuse/violence does not just affect women, men and children are also affected. Many people do not realise how prominent domestic abuse is within society and it is often a taboo subject.

Domestic violence does not just happen in the home, it often follows victims to work, spilling over into the workplace. A victim can be harassed, receive threatening phone calls, they can be absent because of injuries or be less productive due to extreme stress. Domestic violence is a serious, recognisable and preventable problem, similar to other workplace health and safety issues that affect businesses and their bottom lines.

The Hampton Trust is a Hampshire based charity that provides a variety of interventions and support for individuals, families and children affected by domestic abuse. We also offer a variety of training packages for other agencies to enhance their knowledge and skills base within the area of domestic abuse.

UNISON recognise domestic abuse as a form of discrimination that should be acknowledged within the workplace due to the affects it can have on the persons work performance, as well as their health and safety.

At The Hampton Trust, we believe that every employer should be aware of the impacts of domestic abuse on their employees and therefore be able to identify and support all staff. We have developed training specifically to allow employers to gain this knowledge. Our training can be tailor-made to suit individual organisational needs whilst covering important topics such as the different types of abuse, legislation, signposting for support and many more.