Domestic Abuse Awareness for Employers

Duration: half-day

Delivery Method:Virtual

Course Capacity: 16

Overview

Domestic abuse is a significant issue in the UK, and one that has caused increased concern over the Covid lockdown period. As an employer, you want to do everything you can to keep your staff happy, healthy, productive, and most importantly safe. The statistics around domestic abuse are alarming; one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse. This means it is highly likely that most organisations will have staff who have been touched by this issue.

With over 2.3 million people (aged 16-74) in the UK experiencing domestic abuse each year, employers have a duty of care and a legal responsibility to provide a safe and effective work environment. Preventing and tackling domestic abuse is an integral part of this. We know that 86% of companies believe they have a duty of care towards domestic abuse victims. However, only 5% of organisations have a specific guideline or policy on domestic abuse.

Following a collaborative consultation on workplace support for victims of domestic abuse in 2020, the Government published a report and open letter to employers in January 2021 [read letter here] urging employers to “look at what more your organisation can do to help survivors of domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse Course content

Colleagues and managers are often the only people outside the home that survivors talk to. They are uniquely placed to help spot signs of abuse.

Our trainers will guide you through this challenging subject.

Learning outcomes:

Improve awareness and confidence around issues and the impact of domestic abuse and the workplace.
Understanding the issues; The Business Case.
Gain a fuller understanding of the employer’s legal and statutory obligations in relation to creating safe and healthy workplaces.
Introduce the Domestic Abuse Bill 2020 and the Domestic Abuse Act 2021/22.
Learn the government’s commitment to tackling the issue.
Improve support to staff, colleagues, and oneself.
Identify how to implement the Four R’s Approach – Recognise, Respond, Refer, Record.