Women’s workplace inequality
Violence against women
The term ‘violence against women’ refers to violent and abusive behaviour that is carried out against women, primarily by men, as a result of their gender. This abusive behaviour can be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or economic, and stems from women’s deep-rooted inequality.
Equally Safe at Work focusses on the types of violence most likely to impact women in the workplace, namely domestic abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape, so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse, child sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation. Violence against women can profoundly impact women at work, and it can be difficult for women to access appropriate support in the workplace. Women may struggle to recognise their experience as gender-based violence, and it is widely under-reported as women may fear judgement, not being believed, or lack confidence in reporting procedures and confidentiality.
Prevalence of violence against women
Violence against women is perpetrated at increasing high levels, with three million women in the UK affected each year. It affects women of all backgrounds, and their multiple, intersecting identities can further impact women’s experiences.
The cost of violence against women
Violence against women costs the UK economy an estimated £66 billion per year. This includes the cost to public services and the lost economic output of affected women. Domestic abuse is estimated to cost the UK £16 billion, which includes an estimated £1.9 billion lost due to decreased productivity, administrative difficulties from unplanned time off, lost wages and sick pay. It therefore makes good business sense for employers to support victim-survivors, and to take steps to address gender inequality at work and prevent violence against women.
