Health and Safety

Rather than being an isolated event, domestic abuse tends to recur and to increase in severity over time. Without intervention, the most common results of domestic violence are divorce and death.

Who Suffers from Domestic Abuse?

It is estimated that 20% of women suffer violence or abuse at home, but men too can be victims of domestic violence. However only a quarter of Domestic Violence incidents are believed to be reported to the police.

• Domestic Abuse occurs regardless of ethnicity, religion, class, age, sexuality, disability or lifestyle
• It occurs in a range of relationships-straight, gay, married, living together
• Women are the overwhelming majority of the most heavily abused

The impact of Domestic Abuse can affect an employee’s performance and/or attendance and therefore threatens job security. Victims of domestic abuse will not necessarily have any visible injuries, but they may suffer from anxiety, depression and loss of confidence.

A good employer will have a Domestic Abuse policy, or you may prefer to approach your Union rep first. Some victims of Domestic Abuse wrongly feel responsible or embarrassed about the treatment they re suffering and therefore feel uncomfortable talking to other family members or friends.

Where to get Help

You can receive confidential advice and support from your local union representative. Where there are policies in your workplace your rep will make sure you know about them and make sure they are followed, if that is your wish.

Although our reps are not trained councillors they can give some practical support:

• If you just want someone to talk to, we can help
• If you want some advice with how your home life is affecting your work, we can help
• If you want to escape from an abusive relationship, we can help
• If you want to know your rights, we can help
• If you think you know someone who is suffering from Domestic Abuse, we can help