Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Arnold saw two years’ work come to fruition when she celebrated the training of 100 domestic abuse champions.
Mrs Arnold visited Stoke-on-Trent City Council, who have followed in the footsteps of other businesses such as The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Keele University, Burton Albion Community Trust and many more to see the training in action and meet the 100th champion.
The programme is being led by Deputy PCC Sue Arnold who launched the initiative in 2015 as part of efforts to offer better support for victims of domestic abuse.
Nine members of staff at Stoke-on-Trent City Council have now received the free in-depth training which provides information and guidance for nominated staff members to spot tell-tale signs of abuse and give practical and confidential guidance to colleagues.
Recorded incidents for domestic abuse in Staffordshire show that over 16,000 cases were reported in 2016. Such crime is estimated to cost the economy £23 billion a year – including £1.7 billion for employers alone and that is just the financial cost.
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.
‘By signing up, Stoke-on-Trent City Council alongside many other local businesses are going public with their commitment to tackling domestic abuse and show a clear commitment to supporting staff who are victims in a sensitive way.’
To find out more or to sign your business up visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/.
