Domestic Abuse

NHSBT is committed to developing a workplace culture that recognises that some employees may be experiencing domestic abuse and that the workplace should be a place of safety, where appropriate support and guidance can be offered. It also recognises that alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse are responsible for their own behaviour and NHSBT will support them in addressing this.

Domestic abuse can be defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or 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 following can be considered as types of abuse, but this list is not exhaustive:

Psychological harm
Physical harm
Harm related to Culture and Identity
Sexual harm including all non-consensual activities
Financial control
Emotional control
Harassment and stalking
On-line abuse and other types of abuse through digital and social media.

All forms of domestic abuse come from the abuser’s desire for power and control over other family members or intimate partners.

Every employee who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse will be supported to raise the issue with their employer in the knowledge that it will be treated empathetically and confidentially unless there is a safeguarding issue.

This policy also covers the approach we will take where there are concerns that an employee may be the alleged perpetrator of domestic abuse. NHSBT aims to create a safe environment where employees feel listened to and protected. We do not believe that domestic abuse should be tolerated, and we will help and support our employees to take appropriate action when they feel a need to do so.

Domestic abuse can appear in many forms and can affect anyone. We therefore recognise the importance of our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, gender identity, sexuality and experience.