The Domestic Abuse Bill passed both Houses of Parliament and was signed into law on 29 April 2021. The Statutory Guidance Paragraphs 402 to 412 are dedicated the role of employers and their duty of care towards their employees.
This includes the recommendation to have a policy or guidance on domestic abuse that might include paid leave or flexible working arrangements. The new guidance highlights an employers’ role of care and explicitly calls for employers to join EIDA. The guidance here reminds us how pivotal the actions of an employer can be in the life of a survivor of domestic abuse who may only speak to managers and colleagues outside the home.
What does the Domestic Abuse Act do?
The Domestic Abuse Act is set to provide further protections to the millions of people who experience domestic abuse, as well as strengthen measures to tackle perpetrators. It also established the role of Domestic Abuse Commissioner, currently held by Nicole Jacobs.
Factsheets created by the Home Office
Read more about the Domestic Abuse Act in this library of detailed fact sheets created by the Home Office:
Domestic Abuse Act 2021: overarching factsheet
Statutory definition of the domestic abuse factsheet
Domestic Abuse Commission factsheet
Amendment to the controlling or coercive behaviour offence factsheet
Read all Home Office factsheets
Health and Safety guidance for employers
