Every organisation wants to build a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and supported. Yet for many employees, the reality of living with or recovering from domestic abuse means they’re carrying a heavy burden that often goes unseen. As leaders, you have a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to create a culture where people feel safe to reach out, and where compassion is matched with confident, informed action.
We’ve spent over 16 years supporting survivors of domestic and sexual abuse across Leicestershire and Rutland. We know that when workplaces respond with care and confidence, it can make an extraordinary difference, not only for individuals, but for the wellbeing, safety, and resilience of entire teams.
Why this matters for every organisation
Domestic abuse is not a private issue, it’s a workplace issue.
- 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
- The effects often show up at work, through absence, distraction, isolation, or reduced confidence.
- For some, work may be the only place they feel safe or supported.
When leaders and managers know how to recognise the signs and respond appropriately, they can play a vital role in breaking isolation and connecting someone to the support they need.
A culture of care doesn’t just help individuals, it strengthens safeguarding, reduces risk, and builds trust across your organisation.
What does a “culture of care” look like?
A culture of care goes beyond policies and procedures. It’s about values, leadership, and everyday practice. It means creating a workplace where:
- Safety comes first. Employees know that disclosures will be handled sensitively and confidentially.
- Leaders lead with empathy. Managers are equipped to listen without judgement and respond with compassion.
- Policies are lived, not laminated. Domestic abuse policies are regularly reviewed, understood, and reflected in practice.
- Trauma-informed principles guide how teams communicate, support, and make decisions, recognising that each person’s experience is unique.
As one senior leader shared after working with our team:
How leaders can take action
Creating change doesn’t require having all the answers, it starts with taking intentional, informed steps.
Start with awareness.
Learn about the signs of domestic abuse and how it can show up in the workplace. Many people will never disclose directly, so understanding subtle indicators can make all the difference.
Create safe spaces.
Build trust through clear, compassionate communication. Make sure employees know who they can talk to, and that support will be confidential and non-judgemental.
Equip your managers.
Line managers are often the first point of contact. Providing them with training and guidance helps them respond appropriately and avoid unintentionally causing further harm.
Review your policies and practices.
Ensure your domestic abuse policy is up to date, accessible, and reflects trauma-informed principles. Check that HR and safeguarding leads have clear referral routes and support pathways.
Lead by example.
When leaders speak openly about creating a supportive culture, and back that up with action – it gives permission for others to do the same.
How Freeva can help
Our Training and Consultancy services are designed to help organisations respond to domestic and sexual abuse with confidence, compassion, and impact.
We offer:
- Bespoke training for managers and teams – tailored to your context, sector, and goals.
- Specialist workshops on topics such as coercive control, trauma-informed leadership, and supporting disclosures.
- Consultancy and coaching for senior leaders to strengthen strategy, governance, and safeguarding culture.
Our approach is survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and values-led, ensuring that your organisation not only meets its responsibilities but builds a culture that genuinely cares.
As one charity leader reflected after working with us:
Building safer, stronger workplaces - together
Ending domestic and sexual abuse is everyone’s responsibility. By creating a culture of care within your organisation, you’re not just supporting employees, you’re helping to build a community where safety, dignity, and compassion are at the heart of everything we do.
If you’d like to explore how Freeva’s training and consultancy can help your organisation build confident managers and survivor-centred practice, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can create safer communities and stronger organisations – where everyone has the chance to feel safe, supported, and seen.
