Amended Motion 77
Domestic Abuse as a Workplace Issue
“That this Congress notes that there were over 60,000 domestic abuse incidents reported to the police last year in Scotland, in 4 out of 5 of these incidents there was a female victim and a male perpetrator. Many of these women are targeted whilst at work.
“Congress notes increased awareness of coercive control, and the recent alignment of this with other domestic abuse offences in recognition of the harm caused. However, guidance for how to recognise and address coercive control in the workplace has to keep pace with legislation.
“Congress recognises that much work has been done in raising awareness and the provision of support, including the Domestic Abuse Scotland Act 2018 and 2021 which provide a useful and welcome framework but still contain holes. For example, there is no statutory requirement for employers to have a domestic abuse policy and ACAS guidance merely recommends that employers consider the adoption of a policy.
“However, congress also notes that whilst the cost of domestic abuse to business is significant in terms of output, only 5% of organisations have a specific policy.
“We call on Congress and the STUC to call for a statutory duty on employers to adopt workplace domestic abuse policies that include a commitment to training, zero tolerance of abuse and appropriate support to victims.”
Mover: British Dietetic Association
Seconder: Public and Commercial Services Union
RSS