Domestic Violence Resource Manual For Employers
This comprehensive resource, produced
by Refuge and Respect, is designed to help employers and HR
professionals respond to employees who are victims or perpetrators
of abuse. It includes:
-
A draft domestic violence policy
-
A template for implementation
-
Posters for the workplace
-
Personal testimonies
-
DVD of awareness-raising materials
Research has shown that:
-
One in ten people who has experienced domestic violence has
been forced to take time off work because of the effects of the
abuse
-
Twenty percent of those have been absent for more than a
month
-
In 2009, domestic violence cost UK businesses £1.9 billion in
lost economic output caused by physical injuries alone
However, research has also shown that
more than one in ten victims of domestic violence chooses to
confide in a manager or colleague, which is why Refuge and Respect
have developed the Domestic Violence Resource Manual for
Employers. It includes practical information on how to
recognise and understand domestic violence, how to deal with
domestic violence in the workplace and how to develop and implement
a domestic violence policy. The manual is supported by a DVD,
which includes printable posters, stickers, and a directory of
domestic violence services, as well as video testimonies from
victims of domestic violence, public and private sector employers
and trade unionists.
It is designed to offer information
and support to both line-mangers and colleagues who may need to
respond to domestic violence, and is applicable to employers across
England, Wales and Scotland. Fiona Bowman is a survivor of
domestic violence, who thanks to her previous line manager was able
to escape domestic violence. She says: "When I was
experiencing domestic violence, my job at a bank was the only place
I had to escape the constant terror of my home life. It was
the only place I could be myself and regain some sense of
normality. But for me, my work was not just my sanctuary - it
ended up being my salvation.
"After a particularly awful attack, my
boss came to see me in hospital. When he saw my bruised and
swollen face he realised straight away what had happened to me.
He had the amazing foresight to recognise the danger I was in
and did absolutely everything in his power to help me. He was
managed to get me a new job in another branch of the bank, hundreds
of miles away, and helped me to move away. It's no
exaggeration to say that his support saved my life. I had
no-one else to turn to and, if he hadn't acted to help me, I
genuinely believe I might be here today. Since I escaped I
have been able to build a very successful career for myself.
I can't express how grateful I am for the chance that manager
gave me to achieve the life I have now."
To receive a copy of the Domestic
Violence Resource Manual for employer, please download an order
form or email info@respect.uk.net and info@refuge.org.uk
Download an order form
here.
The Domestic Violence resource
manual is funded by the Nationwide Foundation
The Domestic Violence Resource Manual
for Employers is supported by members of the Corporate alliance
against domestic violence.
