16 Days of Action: A VR Perspective on Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse

The 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence campaign offers vocational rehabilitation professionals a vital opportunity to support survivors with trauma-informed care, workplace advocacy, and flexible return-to-work planning—ensuring recovery includes safety, dignity, and empowerment.

16 Days of Action: A VR Perspective on Supporting Survivors of Domestic Abuse

Running annually from 25 November to 10 December, the16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence is an international campaign that shines a light on gender-based violence and its far-reaching impact. In the UK, the campaign is supported by organisations such as 16 Days of Action and Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), which provide resources to help employers and professionals take meaningful action.

For vocational rehabilitation (VR) practitioners, this period is a powerful reminder that domestic abuse is not just a personal issue—it’s a workplace issue. Survivors often face physical injuries, psychological trauma, and disrupted employment histories. These challenges require sensitive, trauma-informed rehabilitation support that prioritises safety, autonomy, and long-term recovery.

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Understanding the Vocational Impact of Abuse

Domestic abuse can affect every aspect of a person’s working life. Survivors may experience:

• Frequent absences or lateness due to injury, court dates, or safety planning
• Reduced concentration, anxiety, or PTSD symptoms that impact performance
• Gaps in employment history or sudden job loss due to coercive control
• Isolation from professional networks or limited access to transport and childcare

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As IDAS notes, abuse is not always physical—it can be emotional, financial, or digital. VR professionals must be equipped to recognise these signs and respond with compassion and discretion.

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Trauma-Informed Rehabilitation in Practice

Supporting survivors means more than adjusting hours or recommending therapy. It means creating a safe, empowering pathway back to work that respects the survivor’s pace and priorities. This includes:

• Flexible, phased return-to-work plans that accommodate health, safety, and legal needs
• Collaboration with domestic abuse services, such as local women’s centres or helplines
• Workplace advocacy, helping clients navigate disclosure, adjustments, or HR processes
• Safety planning, including remote work options or changes to contact details

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The 16 Days of Action campaign encourages employers to assess dynamic risk and protect staff wellbeing. VR professionals can play a key role in bridging the gap between survivor needs and employer responsibilities.

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Creating Safer Workplaces

Employers have a legal and moral duty to support staff affected by domestic abuse. As EIDA highlights, even small actions—like displaying awareness posters in private areas—can make a difference. VR professionals can support employers to:

• Develop domestic abuse policies that include clear reporting pathways and confidentiality
• Train managers to recognise signs of abuse and respond appropriately
• Offer paid leave, counselling, or relocation support where needed
• Foster a culture of trust and psychological safety

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These steps not only support survivors—they also reduce absenteeism, improve retention, and demonstrate a commitment to equity and wellbeing.

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A Call to Action

The 16 Days of Action is more than a campaign—it’s a catalyst for change. For VR professionals, it’s a chance to:

• Deepen trauma-informed practice
• Advocate for survivor-centred workplace policies
• Collaborate with support services to build holistic rehabilitation plans

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By recognising the vocational impact of domestic abuse and responding with empathy and expertise, VR practitioners can help survivors reclaim not just their safety—but their independence, confidence, and future.

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🏢 16 Days of Action Employer Checklist

Creating a safer, more supportive workplace for survivors of domestic abuse

25 November – 10 December marks the 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Violence, a global campaign to raise awareness and drive change around gender-based violence. In the UK, employers play a critical role in supporting staff affected by domestic abuse—through policy, culture, and practical support.

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Use this checklist to guide your response.

✅ Raise Awareness

• [ ] Share campaign resources and key messages
      Use materials from 16 Days of Action UK and EIDA to educate staff.
• [ ] Display posters in private areas
      Toilets, break rooms, and staff kitchens are ideal for discreet visibility.
• [ ] Host a team briefing or webinar
      Include information on recognising signs of abuse and accessing support.

✅ Review Workplace Policies

• [ ] Develop or update your domestic abuse policy
      Ensure it includes clear reporting pathways, confidentiality, and support options.
• [ ] Include domestic abuse in your safeguarding and wellbeing strategy
      Align with your Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) commitments.
• [ ] Offer paid leave or flexible arrangements for affected staff
      Support court dates, medical appointments, or relocation needs.

✅ Support Staff with Sensitivity

• [ ] Train managers in trauma-informed communication
      Equip them to respond with empathy and discretion.
• [ ] Create a safe space for disclosure
      Avoid pressure and ensure confidentiality is respected.
• [ ] Signpost support services and helplines
      Include local domestic abuse charities, counselling, and EAPs.

✅ Collaborate with VR Professionals

• [ ] Work with vocational rehabilitation specialists
      Support phased returns, workplace adjustments, and recovery planning.
• [ ] Recognise the vocational impact of abuse
      Understand how trauma, injury, or coercive control may affect attendance and performance.
• [ ] Champion survivor-centred reintegration
      Focus on autonomy, safety, and long-term wellbeing.

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💬 Final Thought

Domestic abuse doesn’t stop at the front door—it affects careers, confidence, and recovery. Employers have the power to create safer, more supportive environments where survivors are seen, heard, and empowered.

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