Domestic violence

It is not just about a person hitting or threatening the victim. Domestic violence can include a whole range of things, including belittling, constant criticism, isolating someone from their friends and family, sexual abuse and financial control. It often continues after a relationship has ended. 

If you feel you may be experiencing abuse, you are not alone. It may help to talk to someone safe, outside of the relationship or family, and there is lots of support out there. You can call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, or chat to the support team online. You can also contact Yorkshire-based domestic violence charity IDAS for help, support and advice. 

In case of emergency

If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are in danger and unable to talk on the phone, dial 999, listen to the questions from the operator and respond by coughing or tapping the handset if you can. Then follow the instructions, depending on whether you are calling from a mobile or a landline.

If you call from a mobile when prompted, press 55 to ‘Make Yourself Heard’ - this will transfer your call to the police. Pressing 55 only works on mobiles and does not allow police to track your location. 

If you call 999 from a landline, information about your location should be automatically available to the call handlers to help provide a response. Remember to try to make some noise for the operator - cough, tap your phone, sneeze etc. 

How can I help someone who's experiencing domestic violence?

Recognise signs of violence or abuse

• Look for sudden changes in behaviour and/or changes in the quality of work performance for unexplained reasons despite a previously strong record.
• Look for changes in the way an employee dresses, for example, excessive clothing on hot days, changes in the amount of make-up worn. This is obviously not as easy to do with remote working but could be picked up in video meetings. 
• Domestic abuse is often a hidden problem and individuals can find it very difficult to disclose. Ask open and empathetic questions such as: how are you doing at the moment? Are there any issues you would like to discuss with me? I have noticed recently that you are not yourself. Is anything the matter? 

Responding to a disclosure of domestic violence

• Believe an employee if they disclose experiencing domestic abuse – do not ask for proof. 
• Reassure the employee that the organisation understands how domestic abuse may affect their work performance and then explain any support that can be offered. 

Providing support

• Agree with the employee on what to tell colleagues and how they should respond if their ex/partner telephones or visits the physical workplace.
• Keep a record of any incidents of abuse in the workplace, including persistent telephone calls, emails or visits to the workplace.
• Make sure that line managers are checking in frequently with employees so that they can raise any concerns or worries and offer support. This is even more important for remote workers who are likely to feel more isolated and potentially vulnerable.
• Signpost employees to professional support.