Twenty more businesses will benefit from training to support staff who suffer domestic abuse, thanks to funding from a Staffordshire business.
The additional places are being paid for by Alrewas-based business The Leavesley Group who are already early adopters of the scheme.
The workplace programme is part of ongoing efforts by Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Ellis to offer better service and 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 spearheaded by Deputy PCC Sue Arnold who last month held two breakfast launch events in Tamworth and Stoke-on-Trent where over 60 businesses heard first-hand about the programme.
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 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.
“By signing up, 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.”
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.
James Leavesley, group director of The Leavesley Group, said: “If we can make a difference to the life of one individual by sponsoring this training we are more than happy to do so.
“This scheme will benefit many people and I would highlight to all businesses how important it is to adopt the policy.”
To find out more or to sign up to the policy visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk/domestic-abuse/.
