Domestic Abuse Toolkit for Employers

This toolkit will help organisations support employees and contribute to tackling domestic abuse. It offers guidance on measures to implement to respond appropriately when an employee discloses abuse. The toolkit highlights potentially useful free resources for organisations to use. It also signposts to external organisations that offer advice and support to employers and employees.

The four Rs approach

This framework is commonly used by employers to secure a clear response to domestic abuse.

1. Recognise
   Use the information in this toolkit to help recognise the problem, and to enable managers and employees to understand that domestic abuse is a workplace issue that everyone can play a part in tackling.
2. Respond
   Implement policies and processes that enable a supportive workplace which will respond appropriately to disclosure.
3. Refer
   Provide access to internal confidential support and signpost appropriately to external organisations who can help employees that disclose abuse.
4. Record
   If an employee discloses abuse, it is important to record the details of what is said as accurately as possible Should the abuse become subject to criminal proceedings, this is an exhibit and should be given to the police.