Wales Charity Law Conference 2015

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

4. Domestic Abuse Quiz

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

12. The employer’s role

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