Domestic abuse doesn’t stop at the front door, and neither should awareness. Every year, millions of people experience domestic abuse, and its impact reaches far beyond the home. It affects workplaces, productivity, wellbeing, and safety.
According to the Office of National Statistics, 4.8% of people aged 16 and over in the UK – around 2.3 million individuals – experienced domestic abuse in the past year.
The cost to businesses is staggering; billions lost through absenteeism, presenteeism, and turnover. Survivors miss an estimated 8 million workdays annually, equivalent to 32,000 jobs.
For many victims, the workplace is the only safe space to speak up, and that’s why PSR recognised Domestic Abuse Awareness Month for the first time as part of our wider Social Value Plan 2025 – 2026.
Workplaces are uniquely positioned to help people affected by domestic abuse. Research shows that one in five victims needs time off work because of abuse, and for many, the workplace is the only safe space to disclose what is happening.
That’s why this year, we decided to recognise Domestic Abuse Awareness Month for the first time as part of our wider Social Value Plan 2025 – 2026.
The Role of Employers
Forward-thinking organisations are adopting best practices such as:
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Domestic abuse policies outlining the organisational response, processes, and support available.
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Training managers to spot signs and respond appropriately, and training employees on how to support and signpost colleagues.
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Membership of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), which provide a suite of adaptable resources and a network of over 2000 organisations for employers to support affected employees. Membership is free and available to all UK employers.
These measures aren’t just ethical, they make business sense. Studies show that 64% of survivors report abuse impacts their ability to work, and 40% experience harassment at work by their abuser.
Turning Awareness into Action
Throughout October and early November, we launched a multi-pronged approach:
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Domestic Abuse Awareness training for the entire team as part of our quarterly DEIB training programme, led by a facilitator with lived experience. Their powerful personal stories brought the session to life, turning theory into real-world understanding and equipping our team with practical insights to support those affected.
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Time to Talk sessions with a dedicated focus on Domestic Abuse Awareness and Support hosted by the PSR Mental Health First Aid Team, creating safe spaces for open dialogue for our employees.
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Supplier Connect session with EIDA, sharing information and resources with a group of our SME suppliers and encouraging supply chain partners to join the movement.
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Updated wellbeing guides and communication toolkits for our contingent workers and suppliers to include Domestic Abuse Awareness and Support.
These weren’t just tick-box activities, they made a real difference.
The outcomes spoke volumes. Two colleagues shared that the training gave them the confidence to help friends in crisis.
In a Time to Talk session, another colleague bravely shared their past experience, saying they would have spoken up sooner if they’d had a supportive employer at the time of the experience and expressed pride in PSR’s stance today.
Even our suppliers felt the impact: one committed to joining EIDA after recognising the need for stronger support within their own organisation.
Why Awareness Matters
Domestic abuse is not seasonal, but awareness months like October help break the silence. One in four people will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and each year, more than 75,000 people in the UK are at high and imminent risk of serious harm or murder. Employers who act can literally save lives.
Find out more about EIDA and register as a member here.
