Coercive Control: The Secret Abuse That Could Be Affecting Your Staff
She was your star employee last year. Now Emma misses deadlines, jumps when her phone rings, and recently turned down a promotion. Her partner shows up unannounced at the office. Her once-impeccable appearance has deteriorated alongside her confidence.
The signs are there - but would you recognise them?
You might be witnessing the invisible chains of coercive control - a form of domestic abuse that follows victims to work, silently undermining their performance while you wonder what changed.
Understanding Coercive Control
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that strips away a person's autonomy through threats, humiliation, monitoring, and isolation. Recent Merseyside Police data reveals a stark reality: 95% of coercive control victims are women.
With one in four women experiencing domestic abuse in their lifetime, this invisible form of abuse likely affects several of your employees right now.
Signs in the Workplace
It’s important to be aware of subtle signs that an employee may be experiencing coercive control. While they may not openly discuss their situation, certain behaviours can indicate distress. Watch for these potential indicators:
- Excessive phone monitoring - constantly checking messages or taking calls from a partner.
- Unexplained last-minute cancellations of meetings or social events.
- Reluctance to work overtime or travel for business.
- Anxiety about spending money or explaining expenses.
- Partner appearing unannounced at the workplace.
- Dramatic change in appearance or workplace confidence.
Impact on Business
Domestic abuse, including coercive control, doesn’t just affect individuals - it has a significant impact on businesses as well. Employees experiencing abuse may struggle with concentration, attendance, and overall wellbeing, leading to reduced productivity. A lack of support in the workplace can force victims to leave their jobs, further disrupting their financial independence and career progression.
The business cost of domestic abuse, including coercive control, is significant:
- UK businesses lose £1.9 billion annually due to decreased productivity from domestic abuse.
- Victims take an average of 8.4 days off work annually due to abuse.
- 75% of domestic abuse victims are targeted at work through harassment and disruptive phone calls.
- One in five victims eventually leaves their job due to abuse.
Talk to us
If you would like to find out more about our solutions, get in touch.
Supporting Your Staff
Addressing coercive control requires a structured organisational approach. Creating a workplace that not only recognises abuse but actively supports victims can make the difference between an employee staying trapped or finding a path to safety.
These practical steps help transform good intentions into effective support:
- Establish clear domestic abuse policies that specifically mention coercive control.
- Train managers to recognise warning signs and respond appropriately.
- Offer flexible working arrangements when needed.
- Provide access to confidential support services like an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme) which offers counselling and a mental health helpline.
- Consider implementing domestic violence leave policies.
- Create safety plans for at-risk employees.
Creating Pathways to Safety
As International Women's Day approaches, now is the time to educate yourself and your team about coercive control. Implement workplace policies that support victims and create an environment where employees feel safe discussing their situations.
Remember: your support could be the lifeline that helps someone escape abuse. Simple actions can make a crucial difference.
If you suspect an employee is experiencing coercive control, approach the situation with sensitivity and respect for their privacy. Direct them to professional support services and make it clear that your door is always open.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
