October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic abuse is not just a personal issue, it is a workplace issue too.
The reality:
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1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
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Over 1 in 10 survivors report the abuse continues in the workplace.
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81% of cases involve abusive emails or phone calls received at work.
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47% of survivors say their perpetrator turned up at their workplace or stalked them outside.
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Nearly 9 in 10 workers say domestic abuse impacts their performance.
Why it matters to employers:
Work may be the only safe space someone has. Employers have a duty to protect the wellbeing of their people, yet research shows only 5% have a dedicated domestic abuse policy. The consequences of inaction are severe: lost productivity, increased absenteeism, reputational risk, and most importantly, lives at stake.
The cost is clear:
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£17 billion is lost to businesses each year due to productivity and absence caused by domestic abuse.
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90% of survivors say it creates conflict with colleagues.
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Over a quarter of colleagues have been threatened or harmed by an abuser.
Employers can make the difference
Your actions as an employer can change and potentially save someone’s life. Creating safe, supportive workplaces means recognising the signs, reducing stigma, and having clear policies in place.
That’s why the work of EIDA (Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse) is so important. They provide resources, best practice, and practical support to help employers protect their people and meet their duty of care.