What school leaders can do

Here are some key steps schools can take to support staff affected by gender-based violence (GBV) in the workplace:

• Acknowledge that staff may be affected by GBV, including in the workplace, and ensure they have access to information about support services (for example displaying information in staff rooms and bathroom facilities), and they know how to report any workplace issues to the school.
• Ensure that the school is equipped to handle any reports of GBV affecting staff
• Ensure that sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination attitudes towards staff are always challenged
• Ensure that staff who deal with GBV in the course of their work – whether routinely or on a one-off basis – can access emotional support and advice so that they are confident about how to handle such issues.
• Recognise that staff affected by past or current experiences of GBV may require measures to support them – for example in relation to any current safety concerns or mental health and wellbeing issues. It’s important to work together with staff to decide what measures may be of help, as a supportive and empowering approach is most likely to promote safety and recovery.
• In cases where it may be appropriate to involve the police, discuss this with the staff member in advance so that they can make an informed choice (unless you have to act on risk of immediate harm). They may wish to contact support services for further information about reporting and for access to support and advocacy services.

Schools can also consult their local authority’s GBV policy (or domestic abuse policy) for guidance on employment practices and support for survivors.