If you’re worried about someone you care about (a friend, family member, loved one or colleague) learn more about how you can support them by creating a supportive conversation:
- Listen and offer sensitive, non-judgemental support
- Acknowledge it takes strength to talk to someone about experiences of abuse
- Tell them that nobody deserves to be treated that way
- Avoid asking why they haven't left the relationship (statistics show that there is a rise in the likelihood of violence after leaving an abusive relationship, click here for more information on this)
- Treat disclosures of domestic violence as confidential
- If there are any immediate safety concerns call 999 or security
- Help arrange further support (e.g. Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, Staff Counselling, Employee Assistance Programme)
- Consider additional care when both victim and perpetrator work at the same organisation
The workplace can often be a lifeline for survivors of domestic violence as it offers an opportunity to seek help, and colleagues are well placed to spot the following signs:
Changes in work productivity
- Missing deadlines
- Reduced quality and quantity of work
- Frequent absences or lateness
Behaviour changes
- Becoming quiet, anxious, frightful, tearful, aggressive, distracted
- Withdrawing from support
Physical changes
- Visible bruising or single or repeated injury
- Wearing unsuitable clothing e.g. big jumpers on a hot day
- Substance use/misuse
Other signs
- Partner or ex-partner showing up around the workplace
- Isolation from family and friends
- Unexpected gifts arriving at the workplace
The Department of Health have created a useful guide on how to respond to colleagues experiencing domestic abuse.