On average, a person spends about one third of their life at work. Throughout an employee’s work lifetime, they will almost certainly face issues such as sickness or bereavement at some point. Many employers have good practices and support in place to deal effectively with such situations. However, employees may also experience far less commonly spoken about issues that will impact their working lives such as domestic abuse. Around 1 in 3 people are subjected to domestic abuse during the period of their working lives. Employees’ attendance, performance, and productivity at work may be impacted. In some cases, abuse can occur during work time or through work communications channels.
In 2023, the Government of Ireland introduced a legal requirement for employers to offer up to five days of paid leave over a period of 12 months to employees affected by domestic abuse. You can also take this leave if you are supporting a ‘relevant person’ such as a partner or dependant. The workplace has the potential to be an important place of safety and support. The importance of maintaining employment and independent income as a basis for recovery cannot be underestimated. It is important that employers are in an informed position to effectively support an employee living with domestic abuse and foster an environment where employees feel comfortable seeking assistance or disclosing their experiences.
Join us as we explore:
- The different types of domestic abuse and the support services of Clare Haven.
- The impacts of domestic abuse on an employee’s work.
- Recognising the signs that an employee is experiencing domestic abuse.
- Exploring the legislation and aid in the development of a supporting workplace policy.
- Responding to a disclosure of domestic abuse.
- Training and raising awareness.
The workplace response forms an important part of the national conversation on domestic abuse and plays a crucial role in helping affected employees feel less stigmatised and therefore more likely to seek support.
This is a breakfast event beginning at 8:30 in Treacys Oakwood Hotel, Shannon.
This information presentation delivered by Clare Haven Services.
Clare Haven Services has been supporting women and children affected by domestic abuse and coercive control since 1995. The support services provided have developed and evolved since the service first began. To mark thirty years of the service, CHS are hosting a series of commemorative events throughout 2025.
Please book online to secure your place!
Registration and light breakfast begin at 8:30 a.m., and the event will commence at 9:00 a.m.
