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Developing a domestic abuse workplace policy
- 1. Developing a domestic abuse workplace policy Helen Snow, Senior Associate, Geldards LLP Jennifer Dunne, EHRC
- 2. Equality and Human Rights Commission • Created October 1st 2007 • Independent statutory body • Promote and protect human rights • Protect, enforce and promote equality
- 3. Domestic abuse Can include a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviours, including: •Physical •Psychological •Emotional •Sexual •Financial control
- 5. Question 1 How many women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime? A.1 in 50 B.1 in 10 C.1 in 4
- 6. Question 2 What % of the Welsh population think that domestic abuse is best handled as a private matter rather than by the police? A.4 % B.9 % C.19 %
- 7. Question 3 In the UK, how many women a year are killed by a current of ex- partner? A.10 B. 50 C.100 D.200
- 8. Question 4 How many times is a woman likely to experience physical abuse before reporting it? A.10 times B.25 times C.35 times
- 9. Question 5 Women are most at risk of life threatening or fatal violence when they A.Remain in the violent situation B.Attempt to leave the violent situation C.Have recently left the violence situation
- 10. Question 6 What steps can employers take to address domestic abuse? A.Have a workplace policy B.Provide training C.Build awareness through a campaign D.All of the above
- 11. Domestic abuse is a human rights and equality issue • Human Rights – European Convention on Human Rights – Human Rights Act 1998 • Equality Act 2010 –public sector equality duty
- 13. Domestic abuse impacts on productivity and performance • 75% of women who experience domestic abuse are targeted in the workplace • 53% of abused women miss at least 3 days of work a month • Domestic abuse costs the UK economy £1.9 billion
- 14. The effect on your organisation • Decreased productivity and performance management issues • Administrative difficulties • Absence management issues – Sick pay (possibly enhanced) – Cover – Wellbeing of other team members • Increased employee turnover
- 15. Developing a policy A workplace policy will •Raise awareness of domestic abuse •Identify responsibilities •Provide a framework for managers and staff •Ensure a provision of support and safety
- 16. Implementing a policy • Top down buy-in • Training • Publicise and communicate the policy • Raise awareness • Review and monitor policy
- 17. The role of managers • First line of communication • Facilitate the conversation • Ask the difficult questions • Non-judgmental and supportive environment • Don’t be a hero!
- 18. Top ten tips 1. Look for changes in behaviour and/or changes in the quality of work performance for unexplained reasons 2. Look for changes in the way an employee dresses i.e. excessive clothing on hot days, changes in make-up worn 3. Believe an employee if they disclose experiencing DA
- 19. Top ten tips 4. Reassure the employee that the organisation has an understanding of how DA may affect their work performance and the support that can be offered 5. Divert phone calls and email messages 6. Agree with the employee what to tell colleagues and how they should respond if their ex/ partner telephones or visits the workplace
- 20. Top ten tips 7. Ensure the employee does not work alone or in an isolated area 8. Keep a record of any incidents of abuse in the workplace, 9. Put up helpline posters on the back of toilet doors 10. Have a list of the support services offered in your area
- 21. Taking action works • A good investment to retain skilled and experienced staff • Staff will feel safe and supported = more disclosures • Reduce sickness absence, save money and save lives
- 22. EHRC toolkit • Digital story • Practical tips and guidance for developing a policy • Bridget’s story – the business case for having a policy
- 23. Digital story
- 24. Further information Jennifer Dunne, EHRC DD: 029 2044 7710 E: jennifer.dunne@equalityhumanrights.com W: www.equalityhumanrights.com/yourbusiness Helen Snow, Senior Associate, Geldards LLP DD:029 2039 1497 E: helen.snow@geldards.com
- 25. Discussion How can employers play a stronger role in raising awareness, identifying responsibilities and responding to the early signs of domestic abuse?
- 26. Thank You