The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional’.
The Council believes that everyone has the right to live free from domestic abuse and that domestic abuse is unacceptable whether it be within or outwith the workplace.
A new Domestic Abuse Policy and Manager’s Guide to Domestic Abuse has been developed in order to support employees’ health and wellbeing at work and to provide support and information for those affected by Domestic Abuse.
In one of her regular podcasts, Pippa Milne, Chief Executive has spoken to Sandra Paton from Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid and Shona Williams, Senior Justice Manager, about violence against women. Their discussion and the podcast page contains informative and helpful information on this subject.
Further online resources
The Domestic Abuse Awareness Raising Tool is aimed at helping to improve understanding of coercive controlling behaviours, and where to direct people for further assistance.
The Improvement Service, in partnership with COSLA, the Scottish Government, NHS Education for Scotland and the Safe & Together Institute, has published the Domestic abuse and trauma-informed practice: companion document to support all professionals working with women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. The document aims to strengthen understanding of how taking a domestic abuse and trauma-informed approach can support improved outcomes for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse and can support staff wellbeing and safety.
