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Employers across South West urged to tackle domestic abuse
As part of the international 16 days of action movement which launched on 25 November, Public Health England (PHE) South West is calling on employers across the region to play their part in tackling domestic and sexual abuse and violence.
Domestic abuse is a hugely destructive problem and employers have an important role to play in society's response to it. Employers can send a clear message that domestic abuse is not tolerated inside or outside the workplace by developing and implementing a policy to tackle the problem.
An effective workplace policy can raise awareness, break down the stigma around speaking out about domestic abuse, and create a supportive environment where employees affected by abuse can acknowledge to themselves or their employer that their relationships are abusive or coercive.
Smaller employers can also tackle domestic abuse by committing to be 'domestic abuse aware' and making information available to employees on what to do if they have concerns.
Curo provides extensive support to customers affected by domestic abuse and has pioneered innovative and award-winning training to help colleagues identify the signs of abuse that are often hidden behind closed doors.
As a major employer Curo also recognises the need to ensure the workplace is a safe place for colleagues who might be suffering from domestic abuse themselves, as Curo Human Resources Business Partner Gail Larkin explains: "At Curo we aim to promote a culture where our colleagues feel comfortable raising issues such as domestic abuse with their manager, knowing that their manager will listen, be non-judgemental and provide reassurance that safeguards can be put in place to support them.
"This support could include things like changing their hours of work or phone number, providing a safe space for the colleague to meet other agencies or, if necessary, changing their work location.
"As a business we're also providing training for managers through our Practical Manager workshops to help them understand what behaviours a colleague experiencing domestic abuse may display and how to recognise the warning signs and open up the conversation in a sensitive, supportive way."
Nick Gazzard's daughter Hollie was tragically murdered at her workplace in 2014. Nick and his family set up the Hollie Gazzard Trust to reduce domestic violence through creating and delivering programmes of domestic abuse and promoting healthy relationships to schools and colleges.
In support of the 16 days of action, Nick said "With research showing that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, it is likely that the majority of workplaces employ staff who have experienced, or who are currently experiencing abuse, as well as employing those who are perpetrators. This has a profound effect on mental health and businesses are starting to recognise this and that they need to act but often feel ill equipped to do so.
"Spotting the signs, intervening early and signposting appropriately is essential for all businesses. Appropriate training for line managers, raising awareness with all staff and creating a culture of disclosure will help improve the wellbeing of all staff. Businesses have a legal and moral obligation to protect their staff.
"Abuse and stalking is what goes on behind 'closed' doors. It's what keeps these crimes secret. It's never one isolated incident, it's a pattern of never-ending coercive control and violence against the victim. It takes huge bravery to admit to being abused and it takes great courage to try and leave a desperate situation. The cost to individuals is priceless, while the cost to businesses is worth billions."
PHE worked in partnership with Business in the Community to develop a simple workplace toolkit to help any organisation make a commitment to respond to the risk of domestic abuse.
Photo posed by model.
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