Impact of domestic violence on women’s careers

THE damaging impact of domestic abuse on women’s careers has been highlighted in a new report which suggests that many women take time off work after suffering violence.

A study commissioned by Vodafone indicated that more than half a million working women in the UK have experienced domestic violence and abuse in the past year.

As many as one in seven women globally could be affected, claimed the report, based on international research by KPMG.

The report, published on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, said more than a third of victims believed they suffered from reduced productivity and a fifth said they sometimes stopped going to work or would take days off.

Vodafone estimated that over £300m is being lost by UK businesses every year as a result of work absences related to abuse.

The report said it was estimated that 122,000 women have taken time off work in the UK because of domestic abuse in the past year.

Helen Lamprell, of the Vodafone UK Foundation, said: “Domestic abuse has such a huge effect on the individual, their family and friends and a vast financial impact to both the individual and the UK economy.”

Vodafone has implemented a new policy for victims of domestic violence and abuse in 25 of its operating companies.

Employees globally have access to support and specialist counselling, as well as up to 10 days’ additional paid leave in all countries.

The report was based on a study of data from organisations including the United Nations (UN) and International Labour Organisation (ILO).

The Young Women’s Trust called for urgent action to halt and address the “endemic sexism, abuse and violence” that girls and young women face.

Chief executive Sophie Walker said: “We hear regularly through our contact services from young women who detail how domestic abuse and other forms of violence against them have such an adverse impact they cannot move on with their lives.

“This is a national tragedy. Secure and sustainable funding is needed for the vital work of specialist services responding to this epidemic.”