Domestic and partner abuse

The pandemic saw an increase in domestic violence and abuse. It is a hidden but widespread problem affecting nearly two million people a year, which can lead to periods of absence or sickness, with a particular impact on mental health. It can affect workers, particularly women workers in many ways, and may show up as:

• frequent absence, lateness or needing to leave work early;

• reduced quality and quantity of work or missing deadlines;

• changes in the way an employee communicates — a large number of personal calls or texts, or a strong reaction to personal calls; and

• physical signs and symptoms such as unexplained or frequent bruises or other injuries.