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 someone experiencing domestic abuse reaches out to you:
- believe them, listen and accept without asking for proof
- be sensitive, do not judge but respect the difficult decisions they may be making
- prioritise safety, ask if they feel safe at home, have a safe place to go or a trusted person you can contact for them
- if they feel in immediate danger, call 999. If not, calling the police or acting without their involvement could increase risks so you should encourage them to speak to a domestic abuse specialist service. These can be found on the if you're concerned that you may be experiencing domestic abuse page
- understand that leaving an abusive relationship is a ‘process’, not a ‘one off’ event - they may wish to take time to come to terms with their experience and explore their options
- do not force someone, let them move at their pace - they will seek support when and if they feel ready
- do not try to fix the situation yourself - help and encourage them to access this support, speak to a line manager or contact People Support (HR)
You should aim to have regular in-person check ins, team meetings, catch ups and promote positive wellbeing.
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.
Support for employees experiencing domestic abuse
All employees can access support internally through our employee assistance programme and our broader wellbeing support offering.
Line managers and People Support (HR) can:
- provide reasonable workplace adjustments to employees experiencing domestic abuse to feel safer within work and maintain their employment
- consider external signposting to specialist services such as domestic abuse services, mental health support or support around housing and benefits for additional support around legal orders, police reporting, safety planning or other advocacy
Contact People Support (HR)
People Support can provide consultative advice which may include:
- case specific advice and guidance for any colleague who is experiencing domestic abuse, even if that request is made anonymously
- guidance on welfare and safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
- signposting and onward referrals to specialist organisations or statutory agencies
- reassurance and guidance should there be a change in the affected employee’s circumstances or further disclosure
You can contact People Support (HR) through the Assyst portal.
You can also contact them on 0333 013 5588 between 9am and 4pm.