Skip to main content

Employers get to grips with domestic violence

Mar 14 2006 by Brian Amble
Print This Article

One woman in four is a victim of domestic violence at stage in their lifetime, while men and those in same-sex relationships also fall victim to violence in the home.

With domestic violence is estimated to cost the UK economy £2.7bn a year in decreased productivity, lost wages and sick pay, the BBC reports that employers are starting to address the problem.

Hence a government-led initiative called the Corporate Alliance, which sees many household name companies working with charities to help sufferers among their workforce.

Says Ellie Smithson, from Women's Aid: "The business case for dealing with domestic violence is strong.

"There's the element of being a responsible employer and looking after their employees. The workplace can be the safest place for women."

She cites the example of one employer who said that the first instinct of a manager who sees a worker looking ill, tired or upset is to send them home.

Home, however, could be the worst place to send them.

BBC Online | Tackling domestic violence - at work

Related Categories

Latest book reviews

MORE BOOK REVIEWS

Resilient Optimism

Resilient Optimism

Michelle Gielan

In Resilient Optimism, Michelle Gielan argues that optimism is not blind positivity or wishful thinking. It’s a practical, science-backed set of behaviours that help people to stay steady, focused and effective in difficult times.

The Confidence Myth

The Confidence Myth

Ginka Toegel

How can women leaders break free from gendered perceptions? Professor Ginka Toegel’s new book challenges the narrative that female leaders lack confidence or that women need to "fix" themselves, arguing for a fundamental shift in how organisations recognise and reward competence.

Strategy Is a Verb: Notes from the Front Line

Strategy Is a Verb: Notes from the Front Line

Martin Weigel

In this exploration of modern brand strategy, creativity, leadership and business thinking, Martin Weigel argues that strategy is not a process or a template, but a discipline of action, judgement, imagination, and consequence.