How to support employees experiencing domestic violence and abuse

Authors: Louis Wustemann and Shelagh Prosser

Summary

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• Understand the potential impact of domestic violence on employees and on the organisation.
• Develop procedures to support employees experiencing domestic violence either as a separate initiative or by strengthening the organisation's existing policies.
• Publicise the support available to employees.
• Make provisions for special leave for, and reduced demands on, employees suffering domestic violence.
• Consider identifying named individuals, trained to offer appropriate support, to act as a confidential contact point for employees.
• Offer access to external counselling where needed.
• Provide appropriate guidance for line managers to enable them to support employees.
• Be aware of triggers for abuse and take steps to protect employees if they are working from home.
• Strengthen arrangements for security in the workplace, if necessary.