How workplaces can help victims of domestic abuse in Yorkshire - Jaynie Broughton
Do you know someone who has experienced domestic abuse? It’s a sad reality that most of us in Yorkshire will, maybe without even knowing. Domestic abuse accounts for more than a fifth of all crime in West Yorkshire, with 31.3 domestic abuse incidents per 1,000 population, well above the national average of 19.1, and that’s without considering the many incidents that go unreported.
Behind those numbers lie people who are frightened, isolated and often unsure where to turn.
Yet how many of us truly know the signs? Could we recognise the subtle changes in behaviour that might suggest someone is suffering behind closed doors? Too often, the answer is no. Despite how widespread the issue is, many of us simply haven’t been taught what to look for, how to respond, or how to offer meaningful support.
This lack of awareness is particularly concerning in the workplace, where the signs of abuse can sometimes be most visible. While someone might be able to disguise their distress or cover up injuries over a brief catch up with friends, it’s far more difficult to do so day in, day out at work.
Changes in punctuality, mood, confidence or communication may all be signals that something isn’t right. But unless colleagues and managers are equipped to recognise and respond to those signs, opportunities to help are missed.
That’s why we need to take a collective approach. Employers and employees alike must work together to build awareness, foster safe spaces and take action. Training staff to understand the signs of domestic abuse, knowing how to have a sensitive conversation, and establishing clear referral pathways to specialist charities are the best ways to make sure victims are getting the help they need swiftly.
I’ve spent more than a decade collaborating with domestic abuse charities in Huddersfield and across Yorkshire and have seen first-hand just how enriching these partnerships can be.
Many of my clients approach me seeking legal advice at what is often one of the most distressing times of their lives. Sometimes, they don’t realise that what they’ve endured constitutes domestic abuse, particularly in relation to controlling behaviour and emotional manipulation. Recognising those patterns allows me and the wider Ramsdens team to connect them with trusted charities who can provide the specialist support they need.
The collaboration goes both ways though; charities working on the frontline frequently refer victims to the team for legal advice, safe in the knowledge that they’ll be treated with compassion and understanding as the charities have trained us to handle such cases. Together, we ensure that victims are supported from every angle.
These relationships between sectors are vital, but they shouldn’t stop at law firms: employers across industries from housing to healthcare have a crucial role to play. Workplaces can act as a bridge between victims and the help they need, so by creating policies that support employees experiencing abuse and making sure staff know how to access confidential advice, employers can make a real difference.
One in four women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. This is not a marginal issue, nor one confined to private life. When someone is living in fear, it inevitably impacts every part of their existence, including their job. Being able to spot the signs is the only way to help turn this around and make sure vulnerable people are getting the support they need.
Jaynie Broughton is a senior family law associate at Ramsdens Solicitors.