Domestic violence

Domestic violence is very much a workplace issue. Research by the TUC found that more than one in ten of those who experience domestic abuse said it continues in the workplace and nearly nine in 10 workers experiencing domestic abuse said it impacted on their performance at work. The TUC and its affiliated unions think domestic abuse could be one of the biggest killers of women in the workplace, but say it is hard to be precise because the HSE excludes the reporting and recording of violent incidents in the workplace that occur as a result of a domestic matter under the RIDDOR regulations (see Chapter 11).

The Domestic Abuse Act received Royal Assent in April 2021. UNISON successfully secured a joint amendment in the Bill to ensure that Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) extend to the workplace. This means it will be unlawful for a perpetrator to go near a victim or survivor on her way to work or while at work.

The government expects that most of the provisions in the Act will come into force during 2021/22; although DAPOs will be piloted before being implemented throughout England and Wales.