One in three Irish women experience domestic violence. So as an employer, domestic violence should concern you: it’s probably affecting your employees and your business.
Domestic violence affects personal safety and wellbeing and it is costing your business through absenteeism and loss of productivity. It is important that you are proactive in your response to domestic violence. Below you will find guidelines that will help you recognise domestic violence and respond to it appropriately.
The impacts of domestic violence do not subside during the hours of 9 – 5. The effects of living with abuse permeate every facet of a person’s life, including work. Domestic violence disrupts a person’s ability to work well at a time when they need an income.
Victims of domestic violence may miss work as a result of illness or injury. Or, because they have to appear in court or at other appointments. Perpetrators may also try to sabotage their partner’s work by limiting their access to transport to get to work. Or for example, by hiding her uniform.
At work, victims of domestic violence may lack concentration, be anxious or stressed. They are likely to suffer from low self esteem, a lack of self-confidence or depression. This significantly affects performance levels.
Often violence will continue during work hours. Perpetrators may send threatening messages or call constantly to harass their victim. They may turn up at the workplace, which then becomes a health and safety issue, not only for the victim, but also for other employees.
It is important that the workplace is a safe and supportive environment. This will encourage women, who are experiencing domestic violence, to feel comfortable enough to come forward. The following guidelines will help you create this type of environment.
Possible signs of domestic abuse may include:
Consideration should be given to the following:
It takes courage to disclose information about domestic abuse and it can be traumatic. However
this may be alleviated if the employer takes the disclosure seriously, believes what is said and
follows the guidelines set out below:
The information in this table has been adapted from the following sources. Please click the links below to view the full documents.
Find out more about the range of support services available
Safe Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG trading as SAFE IRELAND, is a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital, registered in Dublin, Ireland with registered company number 291205. Safe Ireland National Social Change Agency CLG is a registered charity with CHY number 13064.