Dumfries and Galloway Council staff domestic abuse policy laid out

Dumfries and Galloway Council has laid out a new policy to help tackle domestic violence among its workforce.
The emphasis is on supporting employees who are victims as well as ensuring that any member of staff accused of abuse is also investigated.

A report to councillors says any request for support from a worker should be dealt with quickly, sympathetically and confidentially.

Staff will be trained to deal with the problem by using an online module.

Police in Dumfries and Galloway receive 1,200 reports of domestic abuse every year and more than 4,000 people contact Women’s Aid in the region annually.

Men are also affected by the crime but in fewer numbers.

A proposed policy for the council spells out how the issue should be dealt with if it affects a member of its staff.

It stresses that in some cases confidence may need to be broken to protect children or adults at risk of harm but that advice should be sought from social work services beforehand.

The policy and procedure also lists how managers should respond to allegations of abuse against a staff member.

If the proposals are approved next week, the council could take part in an international campaign which aims to eradicate violence against women.