Episode 45: Supporting Employees Facing Domestic Abuse with Emma Bray (nee Armstrong)

HR Voices Podcast

Episode 45: Supporting Employees Facing Domestic Abuse with Emma Bray (nee Armstrong)

Hosted by:

Charlotte Allfrey & Mary Asante | HR Independents Ltd

Episode Overview:

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, hosts Charlotte Allfrey and Mary Asante speak with Emma Bray (nee Armstrong), CEO of I Choose Freedom, an independent charity providing refuge and support for survivors of domestic abuse. Emma shares her expertise on how HR professionals and business leaders can recognize signs of domestic abuse, support affected employees, and foster a workplace culture that encourages openness and safety.

What to Expect in This Episode:

🔹 Understanding Domestic Abuse

• What domestic abuse truly entails beyond physical violence, including coercive control, financial abuse, and emotional manipulation.
• The misconceptions surrounding domestic abuse and why many survivors struggle to identify their situation.

🔹 Recognizing the Signs in the Workplace

• How changes in productivity, absenteeism, or social withdrawal may indicate an employee is in distress.
• The subtle and overt signs that HR professionals and line managers should look out for.
• Creating a supportive and non-judgmental space for employees to seek help.

🔹 Employer Responsibilities & Supportive Workplace Practices

• How businesses can create a culture of awareness and safety for employees facing domestic abuse.
• The importance of domestic abuse policies, signposting to specialist services, and offering flexibility for affected employees.
• Training and professional development opportunities to equip HR professionals with the skills to handle disclosures sensitively.

🔹 Emma’s Work & Advocacy

• How I Choose Freedom provides life-saving refuge and holistic support for survivors.
• Emma’s journey from survivor to CEO and her recent recognition at Buckingham Palace.
• How employers can partner with charities and get involved in fundraising efforts.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Believe survivors – Creating a non-judgmental space can make all the difference.
✅ Educate and train HR teams – Awareness and knowledge empower action.
✅ Policy matters – Having a domestic abuse policy can save lives.
✅ Signpost, don’t fix – Employers aren’t expected to be experts but should know where to direct employees for help.
✅ Small actions can have a huge impact – Whether it’s adjusting work schedules, offering safe spaces, or simply listening.

Get Involved & Learn More:

• Visit I Choose Freedom to learn about their work and how you can support.
• Watch the ITV documentary Her Majesty Behind Closed Doors to gain deeper insight into the realities of domestic abuse.
• If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline at 0808 2000 247 (available 24/7).

Looking Ahead:

As always, HR Voices aims to bring real conversations that matter. If you’d like to be a guest or have a topic suggestion, get in touch at HRVoices@hrindependents.co.uk.

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