At Leeway, we often say that domestic abuse doesn’t just stay at home. It spills into every part of a person’s life - including where they work. That’s why it’s so important for local businesses and organisations to know the signs and have some idea of how to respond.
The truth is, domestic abuse is far more common than many people realise. Research shows that around 10% of the working population could be affected. In a workplace of 100 people, that might mean 10 colleagues are living with abuse in some form.
It isn’t something people can just leave at the door when they start their shift. It often shows up in ways that can be misunderstood - more sick days, poor timekeeping, dips in productivity, or someone becoming noticeably quieter or withdrawn. Without awareness, managers may see these changes as performance issues rather than a sign that something else is going on. Sadly, this sometimes leads to people being disciplined or even losing their jobs.
Employers have a duty of care to look after the physical and emotional wellbeing of their staff. Yet many workplaces still don’t have policies around domestic abuse, and managers often feel unsure about how to approach the subject. That’s where training makes a real difference.
The financial cost to businesses
The personal impact of abuse is huge, but there’s also a clear financial cost. Government figures released with the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) estimated that abuse costs society £66 billion every year, with around £14 billion coming from lost output. That includes the costs businesses bear when staff are absent, less productive, or when recruitment is needed to fill roles.
It’s also thought that the true cost is even higher than these estimates. In other words, domestic abuse isn’t just affecting individuals - it’s draining money and resources from businesses too.
How Leeway supports employers
We know that spotting abuse and knowing what to do about it isn’t easy. Many managers feel they don’t have the knowledge or confidence to raise the issue. That’s why our training is practical, straightforward, and based on real examples. We’re not asking anyone to become an expert - just to feel more confident listening, noticing changes, and knowing where to signpost for support.
We run a variety of sessions, such as:
We can also work with businesses that want to create or update domestic abuse policies and procedures, so that responses are consistent across the whole organisation.
Sessions are delivered both online and in person, with timings designed to slot into the working day. We also offer reduced rates for charities and community organisations.
Why local context matters
Being based in Norfolk gives us a real understanding of the local landscape. We know the services available and the challenges people face here, which means our training is grounded in reality. It’s not just theory – staff leave with practical knowledge they can use straight away.
The wider benefits
This isn’t just about awareness. When a workplace feels safe and supported, people are more likely to stay, feel motivated, and do their best work. For the business, this strengthens teams and reduces costs over time. For individuals, it can be the crucial first step toward getting help.
We’ve seen the difference this can make time and again - both for organisations and the people within them.
Looking to find out more about our workplace training or policy support? Please get in touch with our team at training@leewaynwa.org.uk. Together, we can make workplaces across Norfolk safer, stronger, and more supportive for everyone.
