What to include in a workplace policy on domestic and sexual abuse

Developing a workplace policy on domestic and sexual abuse has a number of business benefits and can help support employees who are at risk.

What should a domestic and sexual abuse policy include?

The Department of Health has developed guidance for employers on developing a workplace policy on domestic and sexual violence.

You can also use this checklist to ensure your policy covers the key areas: 

• policy statement outlining a commitment to a zero tolerance approach to domestic and sexual violence and abuse
• definition of 'domestic violence and abuse' and 'sexual violence and abuse' with facts and figures
• reporting procedures including roles, responsibilities and contact details of human resources, line managers, employees and trade union representatives
• practical measures to support employees, for example, diverting phone calls or alerting reception and security staff
• list of support services
• commitment to prioritise confidentiality
• communication plan, for example, to publish the policy on the staff newsletter or handbook so that all staff can be made aware of it
• information on staff training on the implications of domestic and sexual violence and abuse in the workplace and what the policy offers
• process for monitoring and reviewing the policy regularly 

Example policy

The Belfast Area Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership has produced an example policy.