Burton Albion Football Club and the Burton Albion Community Trust has signed up to train at least one member of staff to become a Domestic Abuse Champion under a support programme launched by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
The workplace-based initiative is part of ongoing efforts by PCC Matthew Ellis to offer better support for victims of domestic abuse.
The PCC is funding specialist training, delivered by Staffordshire Women’s Aid, for a nominated individual from each business that joins the programme.
The programme is being led for Matthew Ellis by Deputy PCC Sue Arnold who launched the initiative in 2015 by speaking first-hand with over 60 businesses.
Organisations who sign-up to the programme – at no cost to themselves – 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.
Mrs Arnold said: “Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on victims and can affect the whole of their lives – including their work. Victims face many practical and emotional obstacles when leaving an abusive relationship. These can vary from housing problems, childcare and money issues but many victims suffer in silence for a long time before talking to anyone about what they are going through.
“The training by Staffordshire Women’s Aid is providing local businesses with knowledge on the signs to be aware of and the changes in behaviour which may signal abuse at home – such as problems with concentration, anxiety, dips in work quality, regularly arriving late or leaving early. Domestic abuse is estimated to cost the economy £23 billion a year – including £1.7 billion for employers alone.
“By signing up, Burton Albion Football Club and the Community Trust are going public with their steps to tackling domestic abuse and show a clear commitment to supporting staff who are victims in a sensitive way.”
Staffordshire Women’s Aid is an award-winning charity which has been supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence in Staffordshire since 1976. Through specialist support, the organisation empowers victims to change their lives and plan for safer, healthier and independent futures.
Nigel Clough, Burton Albion Manager, said: “Domestic abuse is an important issue and this initiative will help combat it by providing support in the workplace. I’m delighted that Burton Albion and the club’s community trust are able to support the scheme.”
To find out more or to sign up to the approach to tackle domestic abuse visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/.
