Businesses across Staffordshire will soon be able to sign-up to a new programme that offers a lifeline to workers who suffer abuse at home.
The scheme is part of ongoing work by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to offer better service and support for victims of domestic abuse.
It is being spearheaded by deputy PCC Sue Arnold and will be officially launched in the autumn.
Organisations who sign-up to the scheme – at no cost to themselves – will commit to taking steps to support staff in abusive relationships and make sure victims are aware that help is available. Managers will be encouraged to spot tell-tale signs of abuse and give practical and confidential guidance to staff. The PCC will fund specialist training for a nominated individual from each business that signs up.
Mrs Arnold met with Jane Gratton, deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, James Leavesley, group director of Leavesley International, and Stuart McIntosh, of Lichfield firm McIntosh Law, yesterday (Thurs) to outline the programme.
She said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims and can affect the whole of their lives – including their work. Victims are likely to suffer in silence for a long time before talking to anyone about what they are going through.
“However, managers and colleagues at work may notice changes in their behaviour – such as problems with concentration, anxiety, dips in work quality, regularly arriving late or leaving early – which could signal abuse at home.
“By signing up, businesses will go public with their commitment to tackling domestic abuse and show a clear commitment to supporting staff who are victims in a sensitive way.
“We’ve made it as easy as possible for businesses to get involved by researching and writing the programme and will also provide training. The policy was ‘road-tested’ with Jane, James and Stuart yesterday and we are excited about the life-line this will offer to victims in businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
Businesses throughout Staffordshire will be invited to the scheme’s launch or can email sue.arnold@staffordshire.pcc.pnn.gov.uk to express an interest.
Businesses are also to benefit from the new Business Crime Matters strategy which is also being delivered by Mrs Arnold on behalf of the PCC to beat business crime and help promote economic growth. For more details see http://www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/business/
