Sharon Livermore, founder of domestic abuse education, shares her personal experience with domestic abuse and the importance of addressing this taboo subject in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for organizations to have policies and guidance in place to support employees experiencing domestic abuse. Sharon discusses the different forms of abuse, such as economic abuse, isolation, coercive control, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. She highlights the signs to look out for and the role that teams, managers, and organizations can play in helping victims of domestic abuse. Hybrid working presents new challenges in spotting signs, but safe spaces and regular catch-ups can still be created virtually. In this conversation, Sharon Livermore discusses the importance of regularly checking in with remote workers and creating a culture of care in the workplace. They also touch on the topic of child-to-parent abuse and the need for organizations to address this issue. The conversation explores the role of well-being leaders in addressing domestic abuse and the need for education and support in organizations. Sharon emphasizes the importance of ongoing education and the need for organizations to have policies and referral pathways in place. She also highlights the need for a cultural shift and the inclusion of domestic abuse in well-being strategies. Takeaways

• Domestic abuse is a taboo subject that needs to be addressed in the workplace.
• Organizations should have policies and guidance in place to support employees experiencing domestic abuse.
• Different forms of abuse include economic abuse, isolation, coercive control, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.
• Signs of domestic abuse include changes in behavior, constant phone use, isolation from colleagues, and absenteeism.
• Teams, managers, and organizations have a role to play in recognizing signs, having conversations, and referring individuals to support services.
• Hybrid working presents challenges in spotting signs, but safe spaces and regular catch-ups can still be created virtually. Regularly checking in with remote workers is important to ensure their well-being and create a culture of care in the workplace. Child-to-parent abuse is a topic that needs to be addressed and organizations should provide training and support for this issue.
• Well-being leaders play a crucial role in addressing domestic abuse in the workplace and should be educated on the topic.
• Organizations should have policies and referral pathways in place to support employees experiencing domestic abuse.
• Creating a culture of care and support requires ongoing education, awareness, and a commitment to change.