Support for colleagues living with domestic abuse and gender-based violence
A package of support has been agreed for colleagues experiencing domestic abuse and gender-based violence.
Our Domestic Abuse and Gender-Based Violence Policy was approved at a Cabinet meeting last month. It includes:
- paid time-off work to support people living with these issues to attend appointments to access housing, solicitor and legal support, counselling and to work with agencies offering professional help
- practical measures such as access to offices and other safe spaces and discrete ways to alert colleagues to domestic abuse
- awareness-raising and guidance for employees and managers to spot signs and respond appropriately
- a commitment to provide support to perpetrators who wish to address their behaviours through official programmes
It applies to all employees regardless of gender.
The updated policy has been developed to create a supportive working environment that allows all council employees to feel safe at work and when seeking help. It was created in consultation with staff and trade unions and in line with the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe Strategy and delivery plan to prevent and end violence against women and girls.
More information