"It was like he was constantly reminding me that no matter where I went, I couldn’t escape him."
Despite physically leaving the relationship, Katie’s abuser would show up at her workplace; “He wouldn’t let go, and every day I was terrified he’d show up at my workplace again. He didn’t need to say anything; just seeing him standing outside or in the reception area was enough to send me into a panic.”
The continued harassment also came through relentless phone calls and messages. “The texts and calls were relentless. He’d start with accusations, saying I’d ruined his life, then switch to begging me to come back, and finally, to threats to ruin me when I didn’t respond […] It felt like I was still trapped in his control, even though I had physically left.”
For Katie, this fear extended into every part of her life, making it difficult to focus at work. As the pressure built, so did the toll on her mental health and work performance.
In search of help, Katie turned to her employer, explaining the situation and the anxiety she was living with. Unfortunately, the response she received was disheartening. Her concerns were dismissed as a “personal issue” and her employer suggested reconciling with her abuser, asking, “Christmas is coming soon, do you really want to be on your own with your kids? Why don’t you let him come back?”
This lack of understanding left Katie feeling unsupported and more isolated than ever. Unable to manage the overwhelming stress, Katie eventually had to take time off work, which added further pressure: “The fear and intimidation had consumed everything, and without any support from my employer, I felt trapped all over again, just in a different way.”
*A pseudonym has been used to protect the individual’s identity and maintain their privacy.
Reflecting on the experience, Katie pointed out that a few small actions from her employer could have made a significant difference. “My manager could have made all the difference by simply acknowledging the situation and offering support,” she noted.
Katie highlighted a few key interventions that would have helped her feel safer and more supported at work:
These simple steps would have gone a long way in helping Katie manage her situation and reduce the constant fear she was living under.
Reflecting on the experience, Katie pointed out that a few small actions from her employer could have made a significant difference. “My manager could have made all the difference by simply acknowledging the situation and offering support,” she noted.
Katie highlighted a few key interventions that would have helped her feel safer and more supported at work:
These simple steps would have gone a long way in helping Katie manage her situation and reduce the constant fear she was living under.
The employer’s failure to address the situation highlights a critical gap in workplace support systems for employees dealing with domestic abuse. With the right policies and a compassionate approach, workplaces can make a significant difference in the lives of employees who are facing such challenges.
Employers can proactively support employees experiencing domestic abuse by taking steps such as:
Clear Safety Policies: The workplace could have established a clear policy for managing the presence of known abusers in or around the workplace, potentially involving security personnel to ensure the individual’s safety.
Emotional and Mental Health Support: Employers should offer flexibility, such as adjusting work hours or providing paid leave, to employees experiencing trauma. Access to counselling services or employee assistance programs could also be beneficial.
Domestic Abuse Awareness Training: Training programs can educate management and staff on how to identify and support employees experiencing domestic abuse, ensuring that such concerns are not dismissed or trivialised.
Freeva's Workplace Training
- Recognise the signs of abuse and harassment
- Respond appropriately with empathy and support
- Create a safer and more inclusive work environment
- Provide resources and referral options to those in need
Want more information about our workplace training?
You're never alone,
Read more Real Life Stories...
