Five years after the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 became law, there remains no statutory requirement for UK employers to support employees experiencing domestic abuse. However, domestic abuse survivors and charities are urging businesses to take a more proactive role in identifying warning signs and offering support.
The Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), a UK charity assisting over 2,000 employers, highlights that the workplace can often be one of the few safe environments for victims. Ahead of the Security Event at the NEC Birmingham from 28-30 April—one of Europe’s largest security exhibitions with more than 17,000 professionals and 450 exhibitors—EIDA is calling on employers to strengthen their support systems, especially as violence against women has been declared a national emergency by the government.
Samantha Billingham, a survivor of domestic abuse and a campaigner for mandatory coercive control awareness training, stresses that employer support can be lifesaving. “We shouldn’t wait until someone is killed or murdered to take action. Recognizing coercive control and abuse is critical, and it starts with education,” she says. “When I disclosed my abuse, I was dismissed from my job and felt judged. Employers can make a life-changing difference by fostering an environment where people feel safe to speak up—support begins with awareness, compassion, and a commitment to act.”
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Statistics reveal that one in four adults in the UK experience domestic abuse, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). While the Domestic Abuse Act’s statutory guidance encourages employers to safeguard their employees, compliance remains voluntary. The impact on businesses is substantial—domestic abuse costs UK companies an estimated £17 billion annually due to lost productivity, absenteeism, and higher staff turnover.
Kristin Thue, Communications Manager at EIDA and an advocate with lived family experience of domestic abuse, believes workplaces can be critical support hubs. “Workplaces can serve as safe havens if they adopt clear policies, raise awareness, and equip managers with the tools to identify abuse. This helps create supportive environments where employees can seek help without fear or stigma.”
At the forthcoming Security Show, EIDA will discuss strategies for implementing effective domestic abuse policies, delivering training for HR and line managers to spot warning signs, establishing transparent reporting channels, and holding perpetrators accountable. Such steps are essential not only for protecting vulnerable employees but also for reducing organizational risk.