The impact of Domestic Abuse in the workplace

At a recent EIDA* meeting, Sharon Livermore – founder of Domestic Abuse Education – shared a terrifying personal story, describing her ambush in the company car park by her ex-husband in 2015 as “like a scene from a horror film”.

To read her story and about Domestic Abuse charities (listed below) that are operating in the workplace, please see this article published in the Guardian newspaper 3 weeks ago:

‘Domestic abuse isn’t your business? Yes it is’:

the push for employers to do more to protect their staff.’

Quoting Susan Bright, CEO of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), Guardian journalist, Moya Crockett, writes:

‘There is also the increasingly widespread expectation that employers should prioritise staff wellbeing: Bright compares domestic abuse to mental health and the menopause, two previously unmentionable subjects now more up for discussion in British workplaces. “The connection between them is that as an employer you do have a responsibility for your employees, and you do want them to thrive,” she says.’

Domestic Abuse charities mentioned in the article:

• Domestic Abuse Education Working with Businesses to Raise Awareness of Domestic Abuse

• Women’s Aid We’re working together against domestic abuse until women and children are safe

• Hestia We provide support for those experiencing domestic abuse, modern slavery and mental health needs.

• Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) A free-to-join members' network of employers, EIDA supports over 1,200 large and small businesses, collectively comprising over 25% of the UK workforce, to take effective action on domestic abuse.

• Surviving Economic Abuse Transforming responses to economic abuse

• Respect Working to end domestic abuse

IMAGE and quoted text courtesy of Guardian News & Media Ltd.

KLAXON is a new novel and thriller about a woman seeking to escape an abusive and dangerous relationship. This Blog seeks to highlight issues around domestic violence and the sources of help for its victims. If you would like to find out more and to get involved with the blog or the promotion of Klaxon through book clubs and other means, please contact the Klaxon team.