‘My face was still bruised when they laid me off’

Women whose careers were destroyed by domestic abuse even after escaping partners say employers must do more

- ATHENA STAVROU

After Sarah’s* ex-boyfriend kicked down her front door and grabbed her by the neck, she was laid off from her job the very next week.

She had climbed the corporate ladder, working as a director of operations at an events company, jetting around the world to deliver keynote speeches and organising summits. But, like thousands of other victims of abuse, her high-flying career was ripped from her.

The ongoing effects of the abuse – including emotional trauma and now a gap in her CV – means that even with a wealth of experience, she has been unable to secure employment in her field.

It was after ending the relationship earlier this year that her expartner forced entry into her home, before pinning her down and bashing her face against a metal sofa leg. She informed her employer about the attack and explained that she would be taking some days off as she navigated the legal system while dealing with emotional trauma. However, four days later she was laid off as her employers said they could not support her after the attack.

“My face was still bruised from the attack when I was laid off,” she said. “They said they would pay me for the rest of the month as a ‘goodwill gesture’, but would have to terminate my contract because they couldn’t support me in the meantime.”

As she had been employed for just six months, her dismissal was legal. But she said the impact of the abuse and her treatment at work means her career has stagnated.

“It absolutely shattered my confidence. I gave my heart and soul to that job and dedicated all my time to it. I felt insignificant, isolated and like I had lost purpose,” she said. “I wasn’t in the headspace to go and find a new job. Job-hunting is tricky at the best of times, never mind when you’re going through something like this.”