A Birmingham domestic abuse survivor has warned that employers must not wait until someone is killed before taking action, as businesses are urged to do more to support affected staff.
Five years after the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 came into force, there is still no statutory requirement for employers to support workers experiencing domestic abuse. The charity EIDA (Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse) helps over 2,000 employers support affected colleagues, highlighting that workplaces can be safe havens.
Call for mandatory training
Samantha Billingham, a survivor campaigning for compulsory coercive control awareness training across all sectors, said: 'We shouldn't wait until someone is killed or murdered to do something. It is vital that coercive control and domestic abuse is spotted and taken seriously – and this starts with education.'
She added: 'Employers have a role to play in supporting victims. When I first told someone about the abuse I was facing daily, I struggled to find the words to explain what was happening to me. I was then dismissed from my job. I felt judged when I tried to seek help.'
EIDA at the Security Event
EIDA is urging employers to increase their efforts at this year's Security Event, held at the NEC Birmingham from 28-30 April. The event is one of Europe's largest exhibitions, with over 17,000 security professionals and more than 450 exhibitors. This year's focus is on addressing violence against women, declared a national emergency by the government.
Kristin Thue, Communications Manager at EIDA, who has family with lived experience of domestic abuse, said: 'We know places of work can be safe havens for individuals experiencing abuse. Clear policies, awareness, and equipping managers with the right tools are just some of the things that businesses can do to help create safer, more supportive environments.'
Cost to businesses
Domestic abuse costs UK businesses over £17 billion annually due to lost productivity, absences, and higher staff turnover. One in four adults in the UK experience domestic abuse (ONS).
Key facts about domestic abuse and the workplace
- More than one in ten of those who experience domestic abuse report the abuse continues in the workplace; in 81% of cases this is through abusive emails or phone calls.
- 47% of those experiencing domestic abuse say the perpetrator turned up at their workplace or stalked them outside.
- Nearly 9 out of 10 workers experiencing domestic abuse said it impacted their performance at work.
- Over half of those experiencing domestic abuse have to take time off work, and nearly half were late to work.
- Over 40% said it affected their ability to get to work.
- Over one in five working women have taken time off work because of domestic abuse, and one in fifty women lose their jobs as a consequence.
EIDA will speak at the Security Show on implementing effective domestic abuse policies, training managers to spot warning signs, and establishing transparent reporting mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable.
