Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

Devon Employers asked to look out for staff who may be victims of domestic violence

Wednesday, 17 September 2008 12:05

Devon County Council have launched a campaign on Domestic Violence

Employers are being asked to look out for staff who may be victims of domestic violence due to a recent survey of its own workforce found that one in 10 employees suffer violence or abuse from their partners when they go home.

The council said that could have an impact on the victim's work and claimed employers and colleagues were ideally placed to spot what was going on and to offer help.

"It's very important that employers look out for the signs and actually ask the questions, like 'are you all right?' said ACC Paul Netherton, Devon and Cornwall Police

Phil Norrey, the council's chief executive, said: "Employers have a legal duty to protect their staff.

"We know that it is not always easy to spot if a member of staff is suffering abuse, and many employers might consider it a private matter.

"But it has an undeniable impact on business, let alone the incalculable human cost, and employers need to understand the right way to help."

The council is planning to offer advice to other organisations about handling domestic violence issues.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton, from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "It is very important that employers take [domestic violence] seriously, look out for signs and actually ask the questions, like, 'are you all right?'