Domestic abuse affects people regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation or background.
It has a devastating impact on people’s lives, not only their safety and physical health, but also their emotional wellbeing, family and community connections, employment, housing, finances and economic stability.
Members of some communities may be at increased risk of marginalisation, isolation, shame and vulnerability, which can be exploited by perpetrators of domestic abuse.
Stalking and harassment
Leaving an abusive relationship does not guarantee that the abuse will end. Victims may be subjected to heightened patterns of stalking and harassment from the ex-partner, family member or a whole community in cases of so-called 'honour-based' violence and abuse.
Their behaviour may include:
- following, loitering and monitoring
- stalking and harassing
- phone calls, emails and texts
- unannounced or threatening visits
See bullying and harassment to find out more about harassment in the workplace.
So called 'honour-based' violence and abuse (HBV)
So called 'honour-based' violence and abuse (HBV) is a collection of practices used to control behaviour within families and other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs or honour.
Fatal violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and or community.
Forced marriage
Forced marriage is where one or both parties do not or cannot give their informed consent to a marriage. This can be due to a cognitive impairment, such as significant learning disabilities or if consent is obtained under duress.
Forced marriage is recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women and men as well as domestic abuse or child abuse.
Impact on other colleagues
Colleagues of the affected employee or alleged perpetrator can also be adversely affected by a team member experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse. This could be because their team member’s work is affected, or because of a change in their demeanour and behaviour.
Employees who feel they are affected by another colleague’s situation should speak confidentially to a line manager or member of People Support (HR) for internal support, external support or temporary reasonable workplace adjustments.
Guidance is also available on our concerns at work page.