1. Domestic abuse is your business Prepared by the Equality and Human Rights Commission

2. What is domestic abuse? Domestic abuse can include a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviours, including: -Physical abuse -Psychological abuse -Emotional abuse -Sexual abuse -Financial control;

3. Domestic abuse - equality issue Extent – 1 incident of domestic abuse reported to the police every minute, every day of every year Impact –major cause of death and disability –physical and mental health impact –economic potential –further victimisation –impact on children

4. Domestic abuse: human rights and good relations issue Human Rights Act - Domestic abuse affects :right to life, right to be free from inhuman and degrading treatment & right to private life Good Relations – Domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women over a lifetime

5. Gender Equality Duty Requires public bodies to pay due regard to the need to : eliminate unlawful discrimination and harassment AND promote equality of opportunity Taking biggest action on biggest issues

6. Biggest issue? Almost half of all women will experience domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking 2 women a week are killed by (ex-) partners 30% of cases of domestic abuse start during pregnancy Costs £23 billion per year

7. Gendered issue Women are; -4 times more likely than men to experience serious violence. -Twice more likely to report ongoing assault (defined as more than 10 incidents). -5 times more likely than men to report that they have feared for their lives.

8. Equality Act Gives greater protection to more people Expected to come into force Autumn 2010 Definition of harassment

9. Health and Safety Health and Safety at work Act (1974) Management of Health and Safety at work regulations (1992)

10. Why is action needed in the workplace? Costs UK businesses over £2.7 billion a year Half the costs of such sickness absences is covered by the employer and half by the individual in lost wages 75% of victims are targeted at work

11. Impact on the workplace Sick days Absenteeism Lateness Stress Decreased productivity Employee turnover Impact on work colleagues Employee convicted perpetrator- org reputation

12. Indicators of domestic abuse Late or high absenteeism rate without explanation Changes in the quality of work for no apparent reason Obsession with time Needing regular time off for appointments Change in clothes and make-up

13. What employers can do Make your workplace a safe place where colleagues can discuss, disclose and ask for help.

14. Actions to take Develop and implement a domestic abuse workplace policy Raise awareness of domestic abuse in the workplace Provide training on domestic abuse

15. Further info www.equalityhumanrights.com jennifer.dunne@equalityhumanrights.com Tel: 02920 447710