Domestic abuse is a work issue. Research by the TUC found that domestic abuse often follows individuals into the workplace. But even where all the abuse happens outside work, it can still have a big impact on your work life, such as unexplained absences, being late and adversely impacting your performance. This can put survivors’ jobs and income at risk. No one should lose work as a result of experiencing domestic abuse.
If your experience of domestic abuse is impacting your work, speak to a relevant member of Equity staff for guidance. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or are concerned that someone else might be, the helplines and organisations below can also provide you with information and support.
Getting Help
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247
Wales Live Fear Free Helpline
0808 8010 800
Scottish Women’s Aid
0131 226 6606
Women’s Aid Federation (Northern Ireland)
0800 917 1414
National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline (LGBT)
0800 999 5428
Childline (under 18s)
0800 1111
The Mix (under 25s)
0808 808 4994
SignHealth (D/deaf people)
Text or WhatsApp, 07970 350366
Respect phoneline (perpetrators of domestic violence)
0808 802 4040
Contacting the police
If there is an emergency, call the police on 999.
If you need support or advice from the police and it’s not an emergency, call the UK police non-emergency number 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or can’t verbally communicate, you can use the police text phone service on 18001 101 or register with the UK’s emergencySMS service.