The role of business this Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month - an international campaign to raise awareness of domestic abuse and unite us all in our determination to tackle it.  Domestic abuse affects millions of people across the UK every year.  It's not just about physical violence, but also refers to coercive control, financial abuse, and psychological and emotional abuse.  And of course, although in the vast majority of cases, domestic abuse is experienced by women and perpetrated by men, it's important to remember that men can be victims too. 

One thing we know for certain from our experience earlier this year is that periods of lockdown  make the problem of domestic abuse worse.  The workplace is often the only safe space for those at risk, and a toxic combination of economic uncertainty, anxiety caused by enforced quarantine, and a lack of escape routes led to an increase in incidents of domestic abuse earlier this year.  Staggeringly, in the first few weeks after lockdown began, calls to the National Domestic Abuse helpline rose by 50 per cent.  Specialist men’s domestic abuse charities have also reported a massive increase in calls for help.

The Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse - of which I am a proud member - has long recognised the important role that employers play in tackling the scourge of domestic violence.  They are a growing network of large and small businesses who work to enable employers to take action on domestic abuse – raising awareness among all employees, supporting those facing domestic abuse, and providing access to services to help perpetrators to stop.  When employers demonstrate that they are aware of domestic abuse and make staff aware of the services that are available, this can help to reduce the wall of silence about domestic abuse that prevents many from seeking help. 

And this isn’t just about action that employers can take when employees are physically present in the workplace.  Employers should keep in touch with employees they know, or fear, may be facing abuse and also alert colleagues to keep in touch with those they suspect may be facing abuse or struggling with isolation.  They can also signpost employees to support services such as the Bright Sky mobile app, which provides support and information to anyone who may be experiencing domestic abuse or is concerned about someone they know.

We all know that this winter, our lives will look very different to what we previously thought of as normal.  But it's good to know there are some certain steps we can take to help support employees at risk of domestic abuse.  As a member of the Employers’ Initiative myself, I know just how valuable the support they provide is, and I’d encourage all employers - large and small - to sign up as members, because domestic abuse is all our business.