Please take part – and pass the link on to any friends or colleagues.

Domestic violence may happen behind closed doors but it has far reaching consequences and is known to have an impact on the working lives of those living with an abusive partner.

On 25 November 2013, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) along with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), launched a survey to find out more about how domestic violence affect affects working life and the role that employers, colleagues, and union reps can play in supporting those experiencing domestic abuse.

Speaking on behalf of the TUC, Scarlet Harris said, “The survey is entirely anonymous. You will not be asked for your name, contact details or any information which could be used to identify you or your employer.

“We would ask people to take a few minutes to share their experience with us and to pass the link on to any friends or colleagues who might want to participate.

“The results from this survey will help trade unions develop policy and actions to support those experiencing domestic violence.”

“Domestic violence continues to affect our members and their ability to remain in employment,” the STUC’s assistant secretary Ann Henderson said.

“The Scottish Government will shortly be publishing a Violence Against Women Strategy, to which trade unions have a very valuable contribution to make.

“This joint trade union survey will go some way towards improving workplace policies and the support we can all give to those experiencing abuse”

And Clare Moore, the ICTU’s Equality Officer, echoed the call for maximum participation in the survey.

“Research shows that approximately 1 in 4 women in Northern Ireland have, or currently experience domestic violence whilst domestic violence accounts for approximately one-fifth of all recorded violent crime in Northern Ireland,” she said.

The survey closes on 1 February 2014. To take part, click here.