New £1m programme to transform businesses approach to domestic abuse

A new programme “Everyone’s Business” launched this week to give some of the UK’s largest employers access to bespoke support on domestic abuse affecting their employees.

The pilot programme, led by charity Hestia and backed by funding from the Government’s Tampon Tax, will be delivered by a consortium of organisations including the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse, Surviving Economic Abuse, the Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence, Cardiff Women’s Aid, Woman’s Trust, TecSOS and Latimer.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse in their life time. 3 in 4 of those victims of domestic abuse will be targeted whilst at work. Yet 90% of victims never tell their employer and only 5% of businesses have a domestic policy in place for staff to access and seek support from.

The new programme has been launched in response to growing interests from employers to address this. Already over 260 businesses have joined the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse. Over the next 2 years employers will be able to access the tools needed to strengthen their response and support prevention efforts by raising awareness in the workplace. This will include being able to refer staff to specialist advocates and counsellors, training for staff, access to resources through an online portal and the development of a kite mark of best practice.

Elizabeth Filkin, Chair of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse said: 

“UK businesses are increasingly concerned about the impact of domestic abuse on their employees. Everyone’s Business is an exciting opportunity for leaders across the UK to take practical action in the workplace so that more victims of domestic abuse can access the support they need and that anyone supporting a friend or family member has the tools they need to make a positive difference.

Patrick Ryan, CEO of Hestia said:

“Domestic abuse affects every aspect of a person’s life and leaves victims feeling isolated and hopeless. Almost all of us will know someone affected by domestic abuse, whether a friend, family member of colleague. Businesses have a unique role to play in breaking the silence around domestic abuse and ensuring victims can access the help and support they need. For too long domestic abuse has been nobody’s business. We are delighted to be working in partnership with employers across the UK to make sure it becomes Everyone’s Business.”

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