With the Domestic Violence Bill having passed through the Commons and now awaiting its passage through the Lords and the formality of Royal Assent to become law, the architect of the Bill, former Prime Minister Theresa May, has warned of the possible consequences for victims of domestic abuse.
Working from home is seen as one of the few positive outcomes of the pandemic, with several companies seeking to cut office costs and continue to ask their staff work from home once all restrictions are lifted. And with workers saving time and money – as well as avoiding the hassle of commuting – there are signs that work practices may change forever. Around 38% of workers worked from home in June and while that figure has fallen off a little in July, it seems likely that home working will play a far more significant part in the lives of many of us than ever before.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s World at One, Mrs May said: ”If you are a victim and suddenly find yourself at home all day every day of the week with your abuser, then that’s really difficult for you.”
The former Prime Minister continued: “What I don’t want to see is employers simply saying that everyone who can work at home should simply be doing so in the future, because if you are a victim of domestic abuse work is a safe place, and employers need to think about that.”
Mrs May urged employers to think about the implications on domestic violence of working from home, citing the huge spike in household violence and bullying since lockdown was introduced in March.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
- Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123
- Childline 0800 1111
- Women’s Aid Live Chat https://chat.womensaid.org.uk
