Urgent concerns
If you have a concern about an ‘imminent threat to life’ or ‘risk of significant or imminent harm’ to an adult or child, contact the police on 999.
If you have a concern about a child living in a home where domestic abuse is occurring, contact the Essex Child and Family Hub for advice.
If you have a concern about an adult with care and support needs who may be experiencing domestic abuse, consider a referral to Adult Social Care.
For those outside the Essex area, there may be other ways that advice can be sought from either Adult or Children’s Social Care in line with safeguarding procedures.
If a colleague is showing signs of domestic abuse, follow these steps.
Reach out to your colleague
Use open dialogue without insinuating domestic abuse. For example, you could ask are you ok? You seem a little bit stressed or anxious at the moment. Is there anything I can do to help you?
When you ask questions through Teams calls or messages, you should be aware that the person might be monitored by someone else, such as an abuser. Make sure your colleague is in a safe environment before discussing sensitive topics.
Establish how and when it's safe or okay for the person to talk. Consider an in-person meeting if there are concerns about someone being around and listening in to any Teams meetings. Look for times of day, physical spaces and opportunities to talk quietly and confidentially.
Do not attempt to take on the role of a specialist support worker. Speak to a line manager or member of People Support (HR) if you're concerned that a colleague could be experiencing or is impacted by domestic abuse.
During the meeting
During the meeting, you can mention any changes you've noticed in their behaviour or demeanour, but avoid directly suggesting they are experiencing domestic abuse. Indicators of abuse can be caused by other issues, so it's important to recognise that something may be wrong without jumping to conclusions.
One in two of those experiencing very controlling and coercive behaviours may not realise they are being abused. Others may be embarrassed, shameful, fearful, anxious or worried.
Respect their situation and understand that their decisions may be influenced by a complex and frightening situation that you might not fully grasp.
To encourage them to open up, build trust, show empathy and be non-judgemental.
After the meeting
Think about what you are seeing, hearing or noticing and if you are continuing to see a pattern, reach out to a line manager or member of People Support (HR) for advice.
Make sure details of internal and external support services and help are easily available and visible. These can be found on the if you're concerned that you may be experiencing domestic abuse page.
Continue to reach out to your colleague.
Confidentiality
While conversations are confidential, there are specific situations where it cannot be guaranteed. This includes where there is an imminent threat to life, risk of significant harm to an adult or child, harm to the employer or other employees, or an unreported crime has been committed.
See when confidentiality cannot be guaranteed to find out more.