Domestic Abuse Policy Guidance for UK Universities.

Abstract

This policy guidance was funded by Research England (QR-SPF). Dr Roxanne Khan, Director of HARM, was Research Lead and is author of this report. This report was produced in consultation with a multidisciplinary Expert Advisory Panel internationally renowned for their work to raise awareness of, and to combat domestic abuse in its many forms (see Appendix 1 for full biographies). This evidence-based guidance was written to support university policymakers, enabling them to feel confident, motivated, and empowered to develop competent, pragmatic, and inclusive domestic abuse policies. The report contains 5 main sections:

1. Domestic abuse: overview
2. Policy business case
3. Policy considerations
4. Developing domestic abuse policy
5. Making it work

It is vital that universities acknowledge that domestic abuse is not a problem that only happens ‘behind closed doors’. Universities are in a fortunate position to have in their grasp this opportunity to support staff and students by developing policy and, in so doing, enhance their reputation and business operations.