Article written by Helen Lamb - Senior HR Consultant at Quest Consulting Services
With FIFA’s World Cup underway, I was shocked to learn that domestic abuse increases after or during a football match. I thought this was good time to highlight signs to look out for with your employees.
Freedom of Information responses obtained by SWLondoner ‘Word Cup fears after spike in Euros domestic abuse’, reveal the number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the Metropolitan Police rose by more than 14% during the championship.
What can employers do to look out for the signs and help where they suspect an employee could be going through some kind of domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse – signs to look out for
Physical signs – black eyes, bruises, split lips, marks on the neck or sprained wrists, wearing more make up, or winces as if in pain.
Emotional signs – appear agitated or anxious, tired due to not sleeping, drug or drink habit, appears submissive or meek, low self-esteem and self-confidence.
Behavioural signs – becoming withdrawn and quiet, isolating themselves from colleagues, becoming secretive about home and personal life.
Coercive control – being short of money, not having access to a car, need to be home by a certain time, lots of calls or texts from their partner.
Domestic Abuse – first steps to protect employees
Often employees will not feel confident in speaking up, so a manager making the first move to begin a conversation is key. We suggest taking the employee to one side, to a private area where you are not likely to be disturbed or overheard.
Managers should explain their concerns along with any observations they have made but to reiterate the conversation is completely confidential and their concern only stems for the welfare of that employee.
If an employee is not willing to open up then be prepared with some information to help signpost them for advice such as helpline numbers etc… Reiterate that you are always available to talk to if they feel ready.
If an employee does open up and confirms they are subject to abuse, remember you are not a trained counsellor or therapist. Your role is to understand if they are in danger and to signpost them to help. Where you feel they may be in danger then you may have to consider the involvement of 3rd party or the police to assist.
If you think an employee is a victim of domestic abuse and you are unsure of what you can do, please contact us to speak to one of our HR Consultants in confidence.
Having worked within businesses as a Line Manager, I know first hand some of the frsutrations faced…
