Cheryl Sharp launches domestic abuse policies for businesses

Domestic abuse policies can save lives, yet just 5% of organisations in the UK have one

Cheryl Sharp, Domestic Abuse advocate and speaker, launches personalised domestic abuse policies and training for organisations looking to support staff.

Fewer than 5% of UK businesses have a domestic abuse policy in place, yet one in four women and one in six men experience abuse, with 75% being targeted at work. Cheryl helps businesses bridge this gap by delivering practical training for employers and HR professionals, and supporting them to implement comprehensive domestic abuse policies. Her approach combines lived experience with real-world business application, equipping teams with the confidence to recognise warning signs, handle disclosures sensitively, and provide meaningful support.

Cheryl’s training, “The Business Case for Supporting Survivors”, covers the types of abuse employees may experience, how to spot signs in the workplace, what to include in an effective policy, and how to create a culture where survivors feel safe to disclose and access support. Her work is grounded in the belief that every workplace can be a place of safety, and that supporting survivors is not just the right thing to do, but makes sound business sense.

Not only will these measures help organisations keep vulnerable employees safe, it also signals to employees that this is an issue that is taken seriously. The policies give employers the training and tools they need to help spot the signs and provide the right support to enable and encourage employees to leave their situation.

Employees experiencing abuse are more likely to take sick leave, struggle with concentration, and have reduced productivity. Recent research found that domestic abuse costs the UK economy £14 billion annually. For businesses specifically, the impact on the bottom line is £316 million per year due to decreased productivity, time off, lost wages, and sick pay. The cost isn’t just operational. Without proper support structures, businesses risk losing talented team members who feel they have no choice but to leave their job when their abuse starts to impact their work life. Beyond the financial impact, there’s something more important at stake: the wellbeing and safety of people.

The comprehensive domestic abuse policy provides a framework that protects employees by offering information about what support is available and how to access it. Education is key to creating a supportive workplace culture. Cheryl provides tailored training to help employers recognise the signs of domestic abuse, how to respond to affected colleagues supportively, understanding the impact of domestic abuse on workplace performance and how to create a culture of safety and support.

Cheryl then works with the organisation to establishes practical measures to help support the employee and ensure the business is responding appropriately. This could include measures such as implementing flexible working arrangements, making temporary changes to contact details, or adjustments to workplace security.

Cheryl Sharp, says: “The uncomfortable truth is that whether you have a policy in place or not, domestic abuse is already impacting your business. Every workplace needs a robust policy that safeguards vulnerable employees and offers clear guidance for managers and colleagues.

“Domestic abuse doesn’t stay at home – it follows people to work through constant phone calls, threatening messages, and the mental toll of living in survival mode. The effect on businesses is both significant and measurable.

“To truly make a difference, organisations must embed domestic abuse awareness into their culture, leadership, and everyday practices. That means having a clear policy, training leaders, raising awareness company-wide, and knowing how to connect people to specialist support. Most importantly, it’s about creating a workplace where disclosure is met with belief, compassion, and practical help.”