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Domestic Violence Policy and Code of Practice

 

Supporting Staff and Students experiencing abuse in Personal Relationships

 

1. POLICY STATEMENT

 

Aston University is committed to the provision of a safe, supportive and productive work and study environment for staff and students. The University is committed to promoting and sustaining an environment of warmth and respect. This Policy acknowledges that staff and students may experience abusive relationships in their personal lives. The University is committed to heightening awareness of domestic violence and to providing guidance and assistance to members of the University Community who undergo such experiences.

The University undertakes to promote the understanding that everyone has the right to live free from abuse. Domestic violence is unacceptable behaviour and the responsibility for domestic violence lies with the perpetrator. Aston University will strive to create a work and study environment where domestic violence is seen as unacceptable. This commitment is in keeping with Aston’s 2012 Strategy Document and its Equality and Diversity Policies and codes of practice. The 2012 Strategy Document clearly states that Aston is a University that:

  • values and respects the diversity of the Aston Community

  • promotes justice, integrity and sustainable growth in society

  • pays particular attention to student welfare and well-being

  • is safe and healthy, with a good work-life balance

 The aims of this policy are to:

  • assist and support employees and students who seek help in addressing problems that arise from domestic violence

  • ensure that those seeking assistance receive a positive response and their right to confidentiality respected

  • assist in supporting managers in dealing with these issues in a sensitive, fair and consistent manner

 2. CODE OF PRACTICE

 
2.1 Definitions

Domestic Violence refers to abuse within all kinds of intimate or family type relationships. Such abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological or emotional abuse which is actual, attempted or threatened and examples include:

  • sleep deprivation

  • isolation (including pressure to quit work or study)

  • continuous monitoring and excessive control

  • financial abuse

  • forced marriage

People experience domestic violence regardless of their social group, class, gender, ethnicity, disability status, sexuality, religion, culture or age. The abuse can begin at any time, in new relationships or after many years spent together.

 2.2 Guidance Principles

  1. This policy is aimed at supporting staff and students who experience domestic violence rather than directly addressing the underlying issues. The University recognises that there are agencies which are better equipped to provide specialist advice and support and contact with such agencies will be suggested, where appropriate.

  2.  The University will take seriously its responsibilities to:

    • promote a culture of dignity and respect where domestic violence is seen as unacceptable behaviour

    • support staff and  students who experience such behaviour

    • respond seriously and promptly to any reported cases of such behaviour

    • provide training for managers in dealing with such behaviour as part of ‘Promoting Dignity at Aston’

    • publish and maintain contact details of appropriate internal and external sources of help which will be made accessible to all of the University Community

  3. Advice and information will be available from appropriate members of the University’s staff (as defined in the Guidelines for Individuals who feel they have been subjected to domestic violence /abusive personal relationships) to any student or member of staff. 

  4.  The University has a team of staff trained as Dignity at Work and Study Contacts who can act as a first point of contact for people experiencing abuse to talk through the options available. The names of these contacts can be found on the Equality and Diversity Website or can be obtained from the Equality and Diversity Unit. Appointments can be arranged with Dignity at Work and Study Contacts by leaving a voicemail message on the confidential hotline on extension 5454.
     

  5. Any report of domestic violence will be treated with due care and discretion and with the safety of the person experiencing the abuse as the highest priority. However, the University has a duty of care to all of its members, both staff and students. When informed of an incident it may be necessary, in exceptional circumstances, for further action to be taken even if this is not the course of action sought by the person concerned. Such circumstances could include a situation where there is a risk to other members of the University community or to children attending the University Nursery. In these circumstances the person concerned will be advised of the action to be taken and the reasons for doing so. In all cases, information will only be divulged to key individuals who have the responsibility and authority to take the necessary action.
     

  6. The University will treat as confidential all records concerning reports of domestic violence.

  7. The University will not discriminate against anyone who has been subjected to domestic violence, in terms of his or her existing employment or career development.

  8. The University is aware that people who experience domestic violence may have performance problems at work and study.  When addressing performance the University will make reasonable efforts to consider all aspects of the employee’s or student’s situation. 

  9. Sympathetic consideration will be given to requests by staff and students for time off to deal with emergencies such as seeking protection, going to court, looking for new housing, counselling, arranging child care etc

  10.  The University undertakes to ensure the safety of its employees. It will provide support to employees to minimise the risk to their safety while at work, if they make it known to the University that they are experiencing domestic violence.


3. GUIDELINES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE BEEN SUBJECTED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE /ABUSIVE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

 

3.1 What can the University offer?

The University will treat all reports sensitively and appropriately and take all reasonable action to protect you while at the University. The University recognises, however, that it can only offer support and information and cannot, in normal circumstances, address the wider issues. The aim is, however, to offer practical support that will enable you to deal better with the adverse effects of your personal experiences. The University Counselling Service is also available to offer emotional support.

 3.2 Who can I contact?  
The important thing is for you to talk to someone who you are able to trust and will be able to help you.

In the first instance you may wish to speak to a Dignity at Work and Study Contact

The Contact is not there to tell you what to do, but will listen to your concerns and give you information and advice about the courses of action open to you and the sources of support available both within and outside the University. The Contact will operate within an agreed boundary of confidentiality. You can make an appointment to speak with a Dignity at Work and Study contact by phoning the confidential hotline on extension 5454 and leaving a voicemail.

 Other Contacts who may be able to help:

  • Equality and Diversity Advisor

  • Human Resources / Personnel Services

  • Line Manager/Supervisor

  • Trade Union Representative

  • Personal Tutor /Personal Advisor

  • The Counselling Service

  • Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) in the Guild of Students 

 3.3 What will the University be able to help with?

  • Depending on who you are willing to disclose the information to, the University may be able to help in a number of ways by, for example:

  • helping you to recognise and think through the options open to you

  • directing you to professional/ specialist sources of advice and support

  • offering counselling through the University Counselling Service

  • arranging for special leave or flexible working hours to deal with emergencies or urgent domestic problems

  • recognising the impact of your circumstances on your work or study and making appropriate adjustments for this

  • arranging for specific security arrangements for you within the University where you are concerned that a perpetrator may try to contact you at work (e.g. intercepting telephone calls)

3.4 What can I do if I am subject to violence whilst at the University?

 If you are assaulted or are the victim of intimidation, violent behaviour or the threat of violent behaviour on Campus you are advised to contact Security by ringing 222 or 2222 from Residences or seek assistance from someone who can contact them for you. The external telephone number is 0121 359 2922. Security will report such incidents to the police and the Chief Operating Officer, as appropriate. Except in very exceptional circumstances, this will be done only with your consent. 

 
GUIDELINES FOR MANAGERS AND OTHERS TO WHOM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ ABUSIVE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS IS REPORTED

 

There are a range of staff, including managers and people in other key positions who may, on occasion, have to deal with staff or students who have experienced domestic violence or abusive personal relationships. People often choose to speak to someone they know and trust. Dealing with such disclosures is not easy or straightforward. It requires those to whom such reports are made to be both sensitive to the needs of individuals and aware of the consequences of particular types of action. It is important to familiarise yourself with the Domestic Violence Policy and Code of Practice -Supporting Staff and Students experiencing abuse in Personal Relationships. Be aware that you are not going to be able to resolve the issue in your capacity as a line manager or advisor; you will only be able to listen, offer support and direct people to other sources of guidance and advice.

Confidentiality

 
Breaching confidentiality can have serious consequences for someone experiencing domestic violence. Evidence suggests that that the point of leaving a relationship is when most serious injuries or deaths occur. Never underestimate the danger or assume that fears are groundless.  Be clear about the boundaries of confidentiality in any discussion you may have. You may need to discuss in detail who the information can be shared with in order to keep the person safe. You should at all times remind any other staff and students with whom the information is shared of the importance of confidentiality.

Practical Support

If an employee needs to be absent from work due to domestic violence, the length of the absence will be determined by the individual's situation through collaboration with the employee and their line manager. Consider the use of:

  • Emergency  Care of dependants/ Compassionate Leave Policy for time off to attend court, find alternative housing, meeting solicitors, attending counselling

  • Use of flexi-time

  • Flexible working options, eg change in hours for a specific period

 Practical arrangements for an individual’s safety could include:

  • Arranging for a change of telephone number or for calls to be intercepted for a temporary period

  • Alerting Security and other staff to the potential for partners, ex-partners or family members to turn up at the University

  • Making arrangements for the safe storage of important documents (or copies) on Campus

  • Negotiating for the payment or part payment of salary in cash or by cheque at times of crisis

Giving Advice

There are certain principles which will help when considering how to advise people who experience harassment or other forms of inappropriate behaviour. Irrespective of your relationship to the individual concerned and your existing knowledge of and responsibility for the people involved, it is advisable to:

  • listen carefully and sympathetically

  • try to be objective and non-judgemental about what you hear

  • discuss the specific steps that can be taken to ensure the person remains safe

  • help the person to identify appropriate sources of support

  • do not try to persuade the person to take a particular course of action

  • remember that the person may need to try different options without feeling judged about this

Guidance and Support for Managers

If you are concerned about how to respond to a member of staff experiencing domestic violence seek advice from HR even if this is on an anonymous basis. The Counselling Service can also help you to respond. If you have concerns relating to a student contact the Head of Student Services and/or the Counselling Service.

Approved by Executive 15th June 2009

APPENDIX

USEFUL CONTACTS FOR ADVICE, GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

 
Useful External Organisations:

 

The above details are correct at the time of publication on April 3rd 2009

Useful Internal Contacts include:

For staff and students:

Aston Dignity at Work and Study Contacts can be contacted by leaving a voicemail on the Confidential Hotline on 5454 or through the Staff & Student Diversity & Well Being Deptartment on 4579 or 4580.

Staff & Student Diversity & Well Being: 4579/ 4580 or email k.parsons@aston.ac.uk

University Counselling Service: 4711 or email staffcounselling@aston.ac.uk

or studentcounselling@aston.ac.uk

Students may also contact the following:

Advice and Representation Centre (ARC) in the Guild of Students: 4848 or email arc@aston.ac.uk 

Staff may also contact the following:

A Trade Union Representative:

UNITE: Rose Hunt (also Chair of the Joint Unions Committee) on 4727 or by email at r.m.hunt@aston.ac.uk

GMB: Jim Finucane on 4715 or by email at:  j.finucane@aston.ac.uk

UCU: Pam Lowe on 3807 or by email at: p.k.lowe@aston.ac.uk

Emergency Contact:

Security:

Ring (internal): 222

from Residences: 2222

from an external or mobile number: 0121 359 2922

or email: security@aston.ac.uk