Businesses are being urged to consider the impact that domestic violence and abuse is having on the wellbeing, mental health and, consequently, productivity of their staff.
Expert advice on ways of handling this difficult subject for employers will be available at a free, one-off awareness session staged in Swindon in November.
The event, called Domestic Violence and Abuse – What employers need to know, is the result of a link up between Swindon Community Safety Partnership and the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) along with the Swindon Mindful Employer Network which is managed locally by Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire.
Speakers will include Neil Blacklock, a leading expert on domestic violence with the national charity Respect. Neil has recently worked with Refuge to produce a domestic violence resource manual for employers and will be presenting alongside co-author and colleague Nicola Sharp.
There will also be a discussion session featuring Pride of Swindon winner Frank Mullane who runs AAFDA.
Frank’s life was turned upside down eight years ago when his sister Julia Pemberton and her son Will were murdered as a result of fatal domestic abuse.
Frank said: “It is of benefit to employers and employees that employers understand the effects of the hugely prevalent domestic violence affliction and the appalling impact it has on individuals and families.
“Many of the vulnerable people being abused, and those doing the abusing, are employed in local businesses. This will have significant implications for employers and the employees being abused.”
Arlene Griffin, chair of the domestic violence steering group at the Swindon Community Safety Partnership, added: “Very often work is the only place the perpetrator can access the victim after the relationship has ended. We urge businesses to send representatives to this important event which will help them appreciate the devastating consequences of domestic violence on their people and productivity.”
Richmond Fellowship Wiltshire’s David Latham, who manages the Swindon Mindful Employer Network, said: “It is very pleasing to see that the network is engaged in this important initiative and strongly encourage local employers to participate. The suffering and mental distress caused by domestic violence is damaging so many lives.”
The event, free to attend for employers and business people and which is supported by Swindon Business News, takes place at the Steam museum, Churchward, on November 21 from 10am.
To book a place contact David Latham at david.latham@richmondfellowship.org.uk
