The resource is the first of its kind to look at rape and sexual assault as a workplace issue.  

Scottish charity Close the Gap has launched new guidance for line managers on supporting victim-survivors of rape and sexual assault in the workplace. 

The guidance, developed with insights from Rape Crisis Scotland’s Survivor Reference Group, provides employers with practical information on supporting victim-survivors in the workplace, recognising signs of rape or sexual assault, and how to respond to reports or disclosures.   

Violence against women (VAW), such as rape and sexual assault, affects all aspects of women’s lives but it’s often overlooked as a workplace issue. When it happens, the experience of victim-survivors and how it impacts their employment is rarely understood. 

Perpetrators can be colleagues, customers or clients, and experiences unrelated to the workplace can also have a profound effect on a woman’s ability to work.  

A participant in the Rape Crisis Scotland’s Survivor Reference Group said: “After what happened to me, I was so exhausted from the trauma and the fear and the pain that being able to get up in the morning required too much. Being able to function normally at work can be near impossible for survivors, and yet, my employers were annoyed when I asked for a week of annual leave. It made me feel ashamed to ask, and I felt so alone.”  

Like all forms of VAW, rape and sexual assault is significantly underreported. Since it’s often not viewed as a workplace issue, victim-survivors may hesitate to report or seek support.  

One in three women world-wide will experience rape and sexual assault in her lifetime. World Health Organization (2024) Violence against women: Factsheet  

In Scotland, only 22% of victim-survivors of rape reported it to the police. Scottish Government, Scottish Crime and Justice Survey, 2019-2020: Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2019/20 -  Scottish Crime and Justice Survey 2019/20: main findings - gov.scot  

VAW costs the economy £66billion each year, which includes the cost to public services and the lost economic output of women affected. It therefore makes good business sense for employers to make it a priority for their workforce. 

Anna Ritchie Allan, Executive Director at Close the Gap, said: “We’re delighted to be launching this new guidance for employers which has the potential to create real change for women workers in Scotland. Rape and sexual assault are common experiences, affecting all aspects of women’s lives, and the workplace is no exception.   

“Whether it happens at work or outwith the workplace, it can affect a woman’s ability to do her job, and in some cases women leave employment altogether. Evidence shows that women often don’t feel confident to report their experiences, and where they do, they feel unsupported by their employer.   

“Line managers have a key role to play so that victim-survivors have trust in the reporting process, and can access the support they need. Employers should also take steps to create a workplace culture which is inclusive and safe for women.   

“We’re very grateful to survivors for sharing their experiences with us which were unvaluable to developing the guidance.”  

The guidance was developed by Close the Gap for its Equally Safe at Work initiative, a world-leading employer accreditation programme focused on advancing workplace gender equality and preventing VAW.  

The report provides examples of signs employers should recognise that might indicate someone has experienced rape or sexual assault. These include changes in job performance, attendance, behaviour or noticeable physical signs. It also gives advice to line managers on how to create a supportive environment to start a conversation.  

Sandy Brindley, Chief Executive at Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “Rape and sexual assault are not often thought of as a workplace issue but, when one in four women have experienced sexual violence, it’s crucial that employers understand how to support survivors in the workplace.  

“The sad reality is many women choose not to report what has happened to them because they are afraid of not being believed or do not know what support is available to them.   

“This guidance will help employers recognise the signs that someone has been raped or sexually assaulted and how to create workplace policies to support survivors. Perhaps most importantly, it will help give them the confidence to start a conversation about sexual violence that they otherwise would not have had.”