Domestic Abuse Policy for Employers

What is a domestic abuse policy in the UK?

A domestic abuse policy for employees is an internal document used by employers across the UK to identify victims of domestic abuse, offer support and ensure safety in the workplace.

This policy helps to combat domestic abuse that may affect directly an employee’s performance, including absenteeism, lateness, low performance or reduced productivity.

A domestic abuse employee policy​ can be customised by SMEs, startups and other businesses operating in the UK.

What does this domestic abuse policy template include?

A standard template must include the following:

Designate Responsible Person

Every domestic abuse policy template must designate a person responsible for effective implementation of this policy in the workplace. This can be an HR specialist, compliance manager or any other officer within the organisation. It is advisable for a designated employee to attend regular trainings in detecting and recognising domestic abuse.

Employee Support Measures

A standard domestic abuse policy template should outline the list of supporting measures the employer is ready to offer. These measures may include the following:

• Absence from work. Employees should be able to request paid or unpaid days of leave that can be used to attend family court hearings or attend appointments with advocates or support workers.
• Counsellor support. Some employers may offer free training in domestic abuse as well as coverage of a number of sessions with a family counsellor or therapist.
• Sick leave entitlements. Employees should also be able to request paid or unpaid sick leave.
• Reporting system. Employers should also implement an effective internal system allowing employees to report domestic abuse.

Confidentiality

An employee who is being affected by the domestic violence and abuse should be protected by the confidentiality clause. This clause ensures that all support access, details of the case, and the identity of an employee shall remain private and confidential.

What are the benefits of using this template?

By customising this domestic abuse policy for employers​ with FasterDraft, you benefit from the following:

• a template that is compliant with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974;
• a policy drafted by qualified solicitors;
• a template suitable for usage in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland;
• a template implementing a “zero-tolerance” approach towards domestic abuse and violence;
• a document that is in line with best HR practices.

How to customise this template of a domestic abuse policy?

To create a fully customisable policy template, follow a few easy steps below:

1. Click the “Create document” button.
2. Answer simple questions in the form.
3. Select a template format – domestic abuse policy template PDF or Word.
4. Make a payment.

The document is ready for instant download and immediate implementation in the workplace.