Starting the Conversation: How HR Can Tackle Domestic Abuse

Practical guidance for recognising signs, offering support, and creating safer workplaces

Trigger Warning: Topics of Domestic Abuse, Violence

Domestic abuse is a hidden issue that can affect anyone.

Therefore, workplaces have a crucial role to play in supporting employees. HR teams are often on the front line, so starting the conversation and knowing how to tackle domestic abuse in the workplace is essential.

Most importantly, by recognising the signs, offering support, and creating a safe and understanding environment. HR professionals can make a real difference in the lives of employees experiencing abuse, including the often-overlooked aspects of financial abuse and coercive control.

Sharon is the driving force behind Domestic Abuse Education, delivering training to organisations of all sizes and sectors. Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every workplace has a robust domestic abuse policy, creating a culture of care where employees feel protected and supported.

As recognised in the 2024 New Year Honours for her services to victims of domestic abuse, Sharon continues to empower businesses to take action. You can learn more about her work here.

Why workplaces matter

Domestic abuse doesn’t just affect home life; it affects work life too. Employees may experience stress, anxiety, depression, or financial abuse, all of which can impact their performance and wellbeing.

By recognising the signs of abuse and providing support, employers can make a life-saving difference.

Beyond the surface, financial abuse is a common and often hidden aspect of domestic abuse. This can include controlling access to money, coercing a partner into debt, or limiting their ability to work.

For this reason, educating managers and HR teams about these signs is crucial, as financial stress can prevent victims from leaving abusive situations.

Practical steps businesses can take

Implement a domestic abuse policy– A clear, well-communicated policy provides employees with guidance on the support available and ensures managers know how to respond appropriately.

Train your teams– Providing training for HR and managers equips them with the knowledge to spot signs of abuse and respond safely. Our collaboration with Sharon has resulted in Tough Talk Cards, designed as a straightforward resource for managers to initiate these conversations.

Create a culture of care– Encourage employees to speak up, ensure confidentiality, and make support accessible, including financial wellbeing support, counselling, or time off.

Address financial abuse– Recognise that coercion, restricted access to funds, or forced debt are serious issues. Providing access to financial education and support can empower employees to regain control.

Listen and learn: our latest podcast on domestic abuse in the workplace

To complement our work with Sharon Livermore, we’ve explored this vital topic in our latest podcast episode. In the episode, Sharon shares her insights on the signs of domestic abuse, including financial abuse and coercive control, and explains the crucial role workplaces can play in supporting affected employees.

You can listen to the episode here!

Need support? You’re not alone

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are organisations ready to help:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline– confidential support for anyone affected by domestic abuse.
• Mankind– support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
• Galop– support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic abuse.
• Karma Nirvana– help for victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage.
• Samaritans– emotional support for anyone in crisis.
• Surviving Economic Abuse– support for victims of financial abuse and coerced debt.
• Domestic Abuse Education– training and resources for businesses, delivered by survivor and advocate Sharon Livermore, to help workplaces recognise and support employees affected by domestic abuse.

When it comes to seeking help, taking that first step can be daunting, but support is available. Sharing these resources within your organisation and ensuring employees know where to turn can save lives.

Lifetime – financial planning and wellbeing support for employees, helping those affected by financial abuse, coercive debt, or money stress regain control and confidence.

Written by Ione Morton, Marketing Executive