Domestic Abuse – How Workplaces Can Help

The Living Well Workplaces team conducted a survey which asked local businesses which issues they would most like support with. The top issue was domestic abuse, followed by mental health. As you’re reading this now, there may be someone you don’t yet know about, living, breathing and fearing domestic abuse and/or sexual violence from their partner, ex-partner or a family member. That person could be someone you know outside of work, it could also however, be someone you know inside of work.

Here is some information, simple guidance and important contacts should a victim of domestic abuse and sexual violence approach someone for support within your organisation.

How common is domestic abuse?  

• One in four women and one in six men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime
• LGBTQ+ and disabled people often experience disproportionately higher rates of severe and frequent incidents of domestic abuse
• Abuse can take a range of different forms and can last for a significant length of time

Of callers to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline in the year ending March 2022, where the abuse type was recorded:

• 82.3% of individual’s experienced psychological or emotional abuse.
• 74.4% of individual`s experienced controlling behaviour.
• 56.4% of individual`s experienced threatening or intimidating behaviour.

 What can you do to support a colleague?

1. Know what domestic abuse is find out how to recognise the signs. There’s some really useful information and advice at bradford-dasv.gov.uk.
2. Know where and how a victim can get help and advice:

• Bradford Survive and Thrive One Front Door helpline: 0808 2800 999
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
• In an emergency, always call 999

3.More information and resources for employers can be found by clicking here: Safe Lives