How would gender-based violence show in the workplace?

Disclosing gender-based violence can be extremely traumatic for victim-survivors. Often, they won’t report it because they fear the repercussions, do not want to re-live their experience, or don’t believe reporting will lead to action. Any concerns need to be approached in a sensitive and supportive manner.

Managers should remain vigilant and look for any signs to help identify employees who may be experiencing this.

Everyone’s experience of gender-based violence is deeply personal, and signs of it will vary. Signs may include:

• Performance:
  • Unexplained deterioration in quality of work.
  • Turning down professional development or training opportunities.
  • Reduced participation or contribution in team meetings.
  • Lack of engagement in online chats or being constantly offline.
  • Visibly uneasy or tense during meetings.
• Attendance:
  • Being persistently late or leaving early.
  • Coming in early or staying late for no obvious reason.
  • Having more frequent absences.
• Behaviour:
  • Avoiding social spaces or events.
  • Withdrawing from previous sources of support, including team chats or catch-ups.
  • A loss of confidence.
  • Avoiding or being visibly uncomfortable around certain colleagues.
  • Increased anxiety, distraction, or having problems with concentration.
  • Increased signs of stress or being easily overwhelmed.
  • Being easily startled.
• Physical:
  • A change in appearance.
  • Fatigue or exhaustion.
  • Increased physical tension.
  • Panic attacks.
  • Sleeping or eating disorders, or both.
  • Substance misuse or dependence, or both.
  • Self-harm or suicide attempts, or both.

Related documents

Related documents to this tool include:

• Gender-based Violence Policy
• Gender-based Violence Policy: guide for employees
• Gender-based Violence Policy: guide for managers