Signs of exposure to violence

Warning signs that may mean that an employee is exposed to domestic violence:

• Repeated short-term absence.
• Difficulties being flexible with working hours.
• Stops participating in social activities outside of work.
• Close telephone contact with their partner during working hours.
• A partner who always picks up and drops off the employee at work.
• Tiredness, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, low mood or substance use.
• An over-protective and controlling partner.
• Bruises, redness and wounds.

Some of the signs described below may be due to reasons other than violence in close relationships, however from a work environment perspective, line managers must find out about their employee's wellbeing and be alert to whether violence may be the cause. 

The Swedish Gender Equality Agency addresses additional warning signs that may be important to pay attention to for you as a close friend, colleague, fellow student or relative:

• Receives text messages or calls constantly when they are away from home
• Have a hard eye on the clock and constantly report on where they are
• may be subjected to degrading, belittling or violent threats and reproaches
• avoid social contact, especially with the opposite sex or stay separated from family and friends
• Must explain or excuse the partner's behavior and ask permission to do things
• becomes withdrawn when the partner enters a room
• do not have access to their own bank accounts, bank cards or their own finances
• routinely lets the partner make decisions
• feeling depressed, anxious or suicidal, expressing self-hatred or shame
• exhibit mood swings such as between crying and anger
• fear of being touched, avoiding eye contact
• Losing interest in previous interests and activities
• start abusing alcohol or drugs
• show altered sleeping patterns and reduced appetite.

Read more at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency.