‘Safe Leave’ for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

The call to introduce paid ‘safe leave’ for people experiencing domestic abuse is a positive step towards ensuring survivors have the support they need to become safe and rebuild their lives. But for this to be effective, it should be flexible – keeping the needs of the survivor at the heart – and it must sit within a broader commitment by employers to tackle domestic abuse. This is about creating environments where survivors are seen, heard, and supported. Let’s ensure workplaces become environments of safety, not silence. 

2.1 million people aged 16+ in England and Wales experience some form of domestic abuse. This means virtually every employer will have staff who are affected and domestic abuse will impact almost every workplace.  

Employers have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to support those affected. Colleagues are well placed to spot the signs of abuse: anxiety, decreased motivation, seeming distracted, being late, or frequently being on the phone to a partner or family member. These are red flags that shouldn’t be ignored. And yet, so often, no one knows what to say or do. This must change. 

The workplace is often one of the places a victim feels safe or like themselves. However, too few employers have adequate policies or training to address domestic abuse. International research commissioned by Vodafone in 2019 revealed that one in five (21%) UK respondents felt less productive at work due to experiencing domestic abuse. 

"I suspect everyone at work knew what had happened, but nobody spoke about it. Domestic abuse impacts every workforce. Understanding it in all its forms and having an active strategy to identify and support victims makes moral and economic sense. Helping break the silence supports staff and colleagues not just now, but into the future." 

- Survivor and professional, Jenny. 

The rise of remote working in the post-Covid world has compounded the challenges survivors face, leaving many isolated in homes that may feel unsafe; and disconnected from the support they might have accessed at work.  

Employers can play a pivotal role in providing vital resources and support, helping victims feel seen, valued, and empowered. Businesses across every sector need to take responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of their staff. This requires training, resources, and leadership. 

At SafeLives, we understand that employers want to do everything they can to keep their staff healthy, happy, and productive. That’s why we offer tailored training and support to equip organisations with the knowledge and tools needed to support employees experiencing domestic abuse. Our training helps employers recognise the signs, have sensitive conversations, and foster a culture of support. The workplace can be a powerful source of safety and stability – but only if employers act. 

Paid safe leave is a welcome step. It gives survivors the time and space to seek help and begin to rebuild their lives. But it is crucial that this leave is flexible and adaptable to survivor's needs. Some may require an extended period of leave to manage their situation, while others may need smaller amounts of leave spread across a longer period to navigate court processes, legal appointments, or local support. Flexibility ensures that survivors can access the right support at the right time, without additional stress or barriers. Support must not be limited to the immediate crisis point; it needs to be sustained over the long term, recognising that recovery from domestic abuse is a journey, not a single moment. 

Domestic abuse is everybody’s business, and together we can make it stop.  

To find out more about how SafeLives can help your organisation support employees, visit our training for employers webpage.