Domestic abuse and the workplace

That this House notes that domestic abuse can have profound long-term effects on survivors and is concerned that is very difficult to speak out about domestic abuse and often those that do are subject to further silencing tactics; recognises that domestic violence is a workplace issue and that it can affect employment performance and in some cases even mean the abuse is carried out in the workplace; believes that domestic abuse policies form an essential part of a strategy to achieve equal opportunities in the workplace; recognises trade unions are key in holding employers to account and have an important role to play in bargaining for better workplace conditions; calls on all employers to ensure workplaces are places of safety for survivors of domestic abuse with measures in place for their protection and empowerment such as paid leave and flexible working, and an environment fostered where individuals experiencing domestic abuse feel confident that they will be believed, listened to and treated supportively; and calls on the Government to ensure the provision of a nationally-funded network of domestic violence and abuse support services.