AIBU to suspect abuse?

[Maggie178]

A woman I've worked with for years has on two separate previous occasions came to work with a black eye. Today she came to work with a black eye and bruising all down the side of her face. She said she fell. The previous occasions were similar excuses. AIBU to suspect there could be violence? Or am I overreacting?

Its sadly a reasonable assumption. I'm no HR expert but I think it would be reasonable for managers to enquire about her wellbeing, asking if she has sought help from her GP about whatever is causing the accidents and saying that just in case someone is unable to say that they need it, they are sharing a list of numbers for places that can provide confidential support.

It could also be alcohol abuse or an underlying health problem causing falls.

I was recently involved with a case where someone suffered life changing injuries as a result of DV.

On 3 previous occasions she had come to work with injuries and NOT ONE of her colleagues raised this as an issue. She also had a small child who viewed it all.

No-one could believe that her colleagues had done nothing - despite all being trained in safeguarding.

It's a very reasonable concern. If you have no manager to approach for advice please reach out to your colleague, she may deny DA, or there may be none, but she will know you are someone who is willing to help.