Domestic abuse and workplaces

Guidance for victims

What do these instructions cover? 

These instructions explain the support Reykjavík City offers employees experiencing domestic abuse. If you are experiencing domestic abuse and it affects your work, talking to your employer about the situation can feel daunting. 

You might feel ashamed, worry about your reaction to opening up, or fear the impact on your professional standing. 

The health and safety of every employee matters to the City. Reykjavík City remains committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse, whether through increased workplace flexibility, paid leave, or other accommodations. 

Managers will listen without judgment and support whatever decisions you make.

What help is available to you?

We encourage you to contact domestic abuse experts who can offer counseling and support. At the bottom of this page, you will find a list of organizations and community groups providing this assistance. You should choose the counseling option that best fits your needs. Always call 112 if you are in immediate danger. 

Reykjavík City can also provide support if you want it. You can speak with your direct supervisor or contact the City's Department of Human Resources and Work Environments — whichever makes you more comfortable. Disclosing the abuse at work remains your decision, but doing so is crucial if the situation affects your job performance. Domestic abuse can impact work performance, potentially leading to lower productivity, frequent tardiness, or significant absence. 

If you disclose the abuse, you have the right to your employer's support. In certain cases, informing someone about the abuse proves vital for your personal safety. If you disclose domestic abuse to your supervisor, you should expect to: 

• Find understanding about your situation and get time to talk.
• Receive support.
• Have your confidentiality protected, except when an immediate safety risk exists.
• See your safety treated as a priority. 

The person you choose to speak with should not:

• Demand proof of the abuse.
• Contact the perpetrator.
• Pressure you into seeking help. 

If you choose to disclose the abuse, the focus will be on: 

• Ensuring your safety at the workplace.
• Accommodating your needs regarding job responsibilities, workload, and other position demands. This support may include paid leave or greater flexibility in work hours or location.
• Ensuring your digital safety at work.

Disclosing domestic abuse should not affect your career advancement, provided you meet your agreed work responsibilities. We will maintain strict confidentiality, though protecting your safety — or the safety of others — may occasionally require informing other staff members. This only happens in consultation with you and with your consent, and we only inform those who need to know. 

If the perpetrator displays threatening behavior at your workplace or uses work-owned devices to commit abuse, document this whenever possible and retain the records. That information can serve as evidence of the abuse if needed. We will also document any violation of a restraining order at the workplace.

Research shows that false reports of domestic abuse are extremely uncommon. If you disclose abuse to your employer, they should meet you with understanding and believe you. However, if your allegations lack basis and your employer has made accommodations, this constitutes a breach of trust.

For partners

Discussing personal abuse in the workplace can be incredibly difficult. When a victim chooses to disclose their situation, a colleague's support makes a crucial difference. Because abusers often isolate their targets, the workplace frequently serves as a vital lifeline.

Partners speak out about abuse

Consider the following points if a coworker discloses ongoing abuse:

Show empathy rather than judging the victim for staying or questioning their circumstances.

Offer your unwavering support and ensure they know you are available. 

• Always respect their desire for confidentiality.
• Prioritize safety above all else.
• Listen actively and give them the time they need.
• Never ask for proof of the abuse.
• Avoid contacting the abuser, as this could endanger both the victim and yourself.
• Refrain from pressuring them to seek help, since they must make that decision independently. 
• Do not attempt to act as a counselor. If anyone faces immediate danger, call 112.

Research indicates that women face repeated domestic abuse more often than men, but men are also victims, and abuse occurs in LGBT+ relationships as well.