Column: Shiell On Domestic Abuse & Workplace
[Column written by Laurie Shiell]
October is Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Bermuda, a time when we are reminded that domestic abuse is not simply a private family matter. It affects our workplaces, our communities and our economy.
Bermuda’s own domestic abuse research has demonstrated the scale of the issue in our community, and there is growing recognition that domestic abuse affects workplaces as well as families and communities. But addressing domestic abuse in the workplace cannot be the responsibility of HR alone. It requires a whole-organisation approach that includes HR, managers, reception, security, IT and senior leadership.
For Human Resources professionals, this is particularly important. Sometimes, keeping an employee safe requires understanding what is happening outside the workplace. Domestic abuse does not end when an employee walks through the office door. It can show up as repeated lateness, absenteeism, declining performance, exhaustion, anxiety, financial difficulties, frequent phone calls, difficulty concentrating or sudden changes in behaviour.
An employee may be dealing with an abusive partner who is constantly calling or messaging them during the workday. An abusive partner may arrive at the workplace, wait outside, attempt to obtain information about the employee or contact colleagues. A manager may see an employee’s declining performance and recommend disciplinary action without knowing that the employee is experiencing abuse at home. These are situations that organisations need to be prepared for.
When an employee’s home life is in crisis, we cannot realistically expect them to leave that crisis at the door when they come to work. The answer is not for HR to become a counsellor or to solve an employee’s relationship. The responsibility is to recognise when something may be wrong, respond appropriately, understand workplace safety, respect confidentiality, and know when to connect that employee with specialist support.
HR does not need to investigate someone’s relationship. It does not need to tell an employee whether they should leave. And it should never be assumed that every performance or attendance problem is the result of domestic abuse. But HR professionals do need to know what to look for and what to do when concerns arise.
HR has a responsibility to create a safe workplace, but we cannot do that effectively if we only look at what happens between the hours of 9 and 5. People bring their lives to work. When something happening at home begins to affect an employee at work, we need to know how to respond.
The Centre Against Abuse is using Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month to encourage Bermuda’s businesses to move beyond awareness and prepare their workplaces to respond.
That is why CAA is hosting its Domestic Abuse and the Workplace – HR Masterclass on Wednesday, October 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club. This practical, interactive session will focus on four key areas:
- Recognise – How domestic abuse can affect employees, performance and workplace safety.
- Respond – What to say, what to avoid, and how to manage disclosures, confidentiality and documentation.
- Refer – When and how to connect employees with CAA and other Bermuda resources.
- Prepare – Practical steps to strengthen workplace policies, procedures and safety responses.
The Masterclass is designed for HR Managers, HR Officers, People and Culture professionals, Occupational Health and Safety teams, and leaders responsible for employee wellbeing.
We want HR professionals to leave the Masterclass feeling prepared, not frightened, because there are practical things workplaces can do to support employees and create safer environments
Domestic abuse may happen at home, but its effects can follow an employee through the workplace door. This October, the conversation needs to include the people responsible for supporting employees who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic Abuse and the Workplace – HR Masterclass
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club
$225 | Breakfast and lunch included
RSVP by October 2 to Centre Against Abuse at 292-4366 or info@centreagainstabuse.bm
- Laurie Shiell, Executive Director, Centre Against Abuse
