Employers domestic violence drive

Employers are being asked to look out for staff who may be victims of domestic violence in a campaign launched by Devon County Council.

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.

It 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?' 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.

A victim of domestic violence, who did not want to be named, said: "It drains you completely of your self-confidence, your self-worth.

"They tell you that you deserve to be treated that way and in the end they wear you down so much that you believe it."

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?'"

In Devon the estimated annual cost of domestic violence is £60m.