Time off work due to injuries caused by domestic violence is costing employers £2.7 billion a year; according to a new report.
The research conducted by Professor Sylvia Walby of the University of Leeds was commissioned by the government.
The cost of domestic violence estimates the cost of human and social suffering to be £17 billion. The report goes onto say that around half the costs of such absence is borne by the employer, and half by the individual in lost wages.
Deputy women’s minister Jacqui Smith said: “This ground breaking research shows we are all affected by domestic violence, it’s a clear challenge to employers and agencies to take this as seriously as we do. We have worked with the TUC to produce workplace guidance on how employers can give practical help to those effected by domestic violence.
“This is a life or death issue and thousands turn up in casualty departments and doctors surgeries with the scars and bruises of this appalling abuse.”
Home Office minister, Baroness Scotland said:
“These findings strengthen the case we are making for domestic violence to be on the agenda of every statutory agency and private business, affecting as it does their customers and employees. Domestic violence is completely unacceptable and all of us should take responsibility to challenge and root out abuse among our friends, our colleagues and in our communities at large.”
