The Business Minister, Paul Scully, has commented that businesses “have a duty” to support their employees who are suffering from domestic abuse and that the majority of UK employers are not currently doing enough.
In an open letter to employers, the Business Minister has called on employers to be a “bridge between a worker and the support they need”, to be better aware of the signs of domestic violence and to have a clear internal policy to provide support to victims.
Paul Scully has outlined seven steps for employers to take to help domestic abuse victims. The steps are:
- ‘Raise awareness of domestic abuse and its signs, such as changes in behaviour or a sudden drop in productivity, and how to respond sympathetically and appropriately
- Don’t overcomplicate it – practical steps like promoting apps that help survivors access support could be an appropriate step for firms where resources are limited
- Be inclusive and recognise that anyone can experience domestic abuse. Senior leaders should look to foster an environment where all workers feel comfortable “being themselves” and talking openly, allowing survivors to feel able to open up
- Ask domestic abuse survivors what support the organisation can practically offer them, such as paying salaries into a different bank account or time and privacy to make calls and arrangements
- Promote the support available through posters, bulletin boards or an employee handbook
- Involve domestic abuse specialists to handle sensitive situations or provide support
- Use free support available, such as toolkits from organisations including Business in the Community and Public Health England.’
However, Paul Scully went on to state in his letter that he does not expect UK businesses or work colleagues to become experts in dealing with instances of domestic violence.
In the letter, Paul Scully wrote:
“For too long, a lack of awareness of and stigma around speaking about domestic abuse has stopped workplaces from putting in place the kind of help that survivors so desperately need. It was once taboo to talk about mental health, but now most workplaces have well-established policies in place. We want to see the same happen for domestic abuse, but more quickly and more effectively.
“Colleagues and managers can often be the only other people outside the home that survivors talk to each day and are therefore uniquely placed to help spot signs of abuse – such as an individual becoming more withdrawn than usual, sudden drops in performance or mentioning controlling behaviours in their partner.”
The Government has also announced that it plans to consult on the steps to allow domestic abuse victims to better exercise their employment rights. This includes the right to make a flexible working request.
Ask for ANI codeword scheme
Another supportive measure which has been rolled out by the Government recently (from today, 14th January), along with independent pharmacies and Boots, is the Ask for ANI scheme.
The scheme allows domestic violence victims to discreetly request help and access support from a trained independent pharmacy worker who will provide them with a private safe space where they will be asked if they need to speak to the Police or would like help to access domestic abuse support services.
Further information on the scheme can be found here.
Domestic Abuse Bill
Furthermore, the Domestic Abuse Bill, outlined by the Government, is currently progressing through Parliament and will bring into law a statutory definition of domestic violence and measures designed to better protect and support victims and any children that they may have.
How Nelsons can help
Melanie Bridgen is a Partner in our expert Family Law team.
At Nelsons, we have a team of specialist solicitors in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham who are experienced in protecting victims of domestic abuse and will respond quickly to your enquiry. We can help if you are the victim of domestic violence or you are facing allegations of violence, abuse controlling and coercive behaviour. It is very important that you obtain independent advice on these matters as if findings of violence or abuse are made then they could have long term and far reaching consequences.
Our team understand how distressing abuse is and handle all cases with sensitivity and professionalism. Please call the team on 0800 024 1976 or contact us via our online form.