Case Study: Supporting a Survivor of GBV in the Workplace

Recognising the Signs

Sarah*, a dedicated and hardworking employee, had always been known for her

commitment to her role. However, in recent months, her manager began to notice a

change in her demeanour. She appeared withdrawn, her motivation dwindled, and

her self-esteem seemed to have plummeted. Concerned about Sarah’s well-being,

her manager carefully observed further signs of distress—bruises she attempted to

conceal, an avoidance of personal discussions, and an increased hesitance to

engage with colleagues.

Realising that something was amiss, the manager reached out for guidance, leading

to Sarah being referred for support. It soon became evident that she was

experiencing severe gender-based violence (GBV) at the hands of her intimate

partner. She was not only physically abused but also subjected to extreme control,

with her movements monitored and her personal devices closely scrutinised. These

restrictions made it nearly impossible for her to reach out for help without fear of

retribution.

Creating a Safe Path to Support

One of the most significant challenges in assisting Sarah was ensuring that she

could receive psychological support without alerting her abusive partner. Given the

constant surveillance she was under, direct communication from a counsellor posed

a substantial risk. She feared that if her partner discovered she was seeking help,

the abuse would escalate.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, a managerial consultation was

conducted with Sarah’s HR team. The discussion centred on how best to support

her in a way that prioritised both her immediate safety and long-term psychological

well-being. The team explored various safety planning strategies, recognising the

severe risks that GBV posed not only to her mental health but also to her

occupational psychosocial functioning.

A Carefully Executed Safety Plan

To ensure Sarah’s safe exit from her abusive environment, a discreet plan was put

into place. HR and management arranged for her to be called in for an official-

looking & meeting; at the office. Under the guise of a routine discussion, Sarah was

presented with a safety plan and offered the opportunity to be admitted to a

wellness clinic immediately from the meeting. This plan was designed to remove

her from the abusive home environment without raising suspicion or putting her at

further risk.

After careful consideration, Sarah agreed to follow this route. She understood that

stepping away from her abusive partner was not only necessary for her physical

safety but also crucial for her emotional recovery. Upon admission to the wellness

clinic, she was placed in a secure environment where she could begin healing. She

received intensive psychological support to process the severe trauma she had

endured, as well as social worker assistance to navigate the legal steps required to

report the abuse and protect herself going forward.

Ongoing Support and Recovery

The primary goal of this intervention was to provide Sarah with a foundation for

long-term healing. Once discharged from the wellness clinic, she was placed in a

safer environment where she could continue her recovery without fear. Through

Lyra, she was able to access ongoing counselling and psychological support,

ensuring that she had the necessary resources to rebuild her confidence, reclaim

her independence and begin a new chapter free from abuse.

Sarah’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that workplaces can

play in identifying and supporting victims of GBV. By recognising the signs, acting

with sensitivity, and implementing a structured safety plan, organisations can be

instrumental in helping employees escape dangerous situations and access the help

they need to heal.