The Adver is working with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service to support its 16-day campaign raising awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence. Today, we look at how employers can help spot the signs of domestic abuse.

Going to work every day can feel like an escape for many individuals suffering domestic abuse at home. It means they are free from their daily hell, free from their perpetrator, free to speak to work colleagues, free to smile and laugh, free to be themselves – for just a handful of hours.

Many will never speak out about what is happening at home, but those who are closer to them will often spot the signs that something is not quite right.

A lot of employers may be unaware of the impact of domestic violence on their employee and the knock-on effect on their mental health and productivity.

In a company of 200 staff with 50/50 split across gender, 25 female and 16 males will be suffering domestic abuse of one kind or another at home, estimates suggest.

It’s said that 85 per cent of domestic abuse victims will be absent from work as a result of domestic abuse and between 50 and 60 per cent report being late for work or leave early.

Domestic abuse kills two women every week in the UK by either their current or former partner, and one in three women will suffer domestic abuse in their lifetime.

Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service - formerly Swindon Women's Aid - said it hoped that training around domestic abuse awareness will become accepted in the same way that awareness of mental health has been.

“Employees who experience abuse should be supported regardless of gender and the type of abuse. The workplace can be a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse as it offers an opportunity to seek help,” the charity said.

Managers can be trained to spot the signs of abuse which aren’t always obvious if the abuse isn’t visible and can take many different forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and financial. Signs that an employee might be experiencing domestic abuse include:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Decreased productivity
  • Frequent lateness or absence
  • Changes in behaviour

These behaviours could reflect a range of issues - and potentially lead to disciplinary procedures. It is important to establish what is behind them and engage and support the employee and signposting them to a domestic abuse service in their area.

Businesses can take action now for their staff. Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service offers a comprehensive training package to train staff and front-line managers, along with helping them to embed it across their organisations. For more information, call 01793 610610 or email Zoey@swindonwomensaid.org.