A new programme that throws a lifeline to workers who suffer abuse at home has reached a significant milestone – and businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to sign up.
The workplace programme is part of ongoing efforts 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 early in 2015 after Staffordshire Women’s Aid were this week confirmed as the scheme’s training provider.
Organisations who sign-up to the programme – 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 is funding specialist training, delivered by Staffordshire Women’s Aid, for a nominated individual from each business that signs up.
The British Crime survey found that there were an estimated 12.9 million incidents of domestic violence against women each year and 2.5 million against men. Meanwhile, such crime is estimated to cost the economy £23 billion a year – including £1.7 billion for employers alone.
Mrs Arnold 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.
“We’ve already met with several businesses to ‘road test’ this important scheme and are now looking for ‘early adopters’ to pioneer this new approach. 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.
“The signing of this contract with Staffordshire Women’s Aid is a significant step forward and will ensure businesses get the best possible training from an established organisation with recognised expertise. We are excited about the lifeline this will offer to victims who work in businesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
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.
Dickie James, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Women’s Aid said: “We are delighted and excited to be working with the PCC on such an innovative project. Enabling businesses and employers to better understand domestic abuse will make a really positive difference to victims and their children in Staffordshire. The project will ensure that those who are suffering from domestic abuse will be able to access information and support within the workplace to improve their safety at the earliest possible stage.”
Businesses throughout Staffordshire, who will be invited to the workplace scheme’s launch, should 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/
