Asked by: Jess Asato (Labour - Lowestoft)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Department for Transport adopted a domestic abuse charter in 2018 which provides advice and guidance for staff affected by domestic abuse and for their colleagues and line management who may be called upon to support them. Line manager guidance on supporting staff experiencing domestic violence and abuse was strengthened further in 2024. This covered: the signposting of sources of support and advice such as the Employee Assistance Programme that all staff have access to; and outlining the flexible leave options available to deal with scenarios that might arise such as disruption of childcare arrangements, legal appointments, or a move of home. It also highlighted the importance of discretion and taking a reasonable approach where periods of sickness absence are directly linked to domestic violence or abuse.
Line Managers receive standard line management training when they first take on a managerial role. This includes a focus on wellbeing, recognising signs of stress or poor mental health, and conducting supportive conversations. The training also covers signposting to resources such as the Employee Assistance Programme, internal wellbeing guides, and Mental Health First Aiders, which can be relevant when supporting staff experiencing challenging personal circumstances, including domestic abuse.
DfT’s Gender Equality Network has committed to supporting the Safer Streets mission organised by White Ribbon UK, a campaign that engages with men and boys to prevent violence against women and girls. I have given permission for DfT to apply for White Ribbon accreditation.
Asked by: Baroness Wilcox of Newport (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to raise awareness of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021; and what plans they have to work with the White Ribbon charity as part of that work.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
The ground-breaking Domestic Abuse Act received Royal Assent in April of this year. The Act will provide further protection to the millions of people who experience domestic abuse, strengthens the measures to bring perpetrators to justice and transforms the support we give to victims ensuring they have the protection they deserve.
The Home Office has worked with the sector to keep them appraised of the implementation of the Act. The Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, published in July of this year and informed by the 180,000 responses we received to our Call for Evidence also makes a commitment to a national communications campaign. We are also publishing a Domestic Abuse Strategy this year, to complement the Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
The Home Office is continually working across government to champion and coordinate with the charity sector on such vital issues.