Monmouthshire County Council is re launching its holistic workplace domestic abuse policy in conjunction with Gwent Police. The new initiative was launched on Friday 25 November, White Ribbon Day, an international day for people to show support to end violence against women.
The core aims and objectives are to increase awareness of the policy and its implications, support and assist those who need help in addressing problems arising from domestic abuse, increase disclosures, ensuring employees seeking help know that their situation will be handled seriously, sensitively and confidentially and to protect those suffering from their perpetrators.
It is hoped that other organisations across Wales will adopt this policy giving staff the knowledge and confidence to seek help and access support if they experience domestic abuse at home. Almost 75% of domestic abuse victims are targeted at work through emails, phone calls and visits. Domestic abuse costs businesses over £1.9 billion each year; staff absences and subsequent recruitment can be detrimental to an organisation.
Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator Rachel Allen and cabinet member with responsibility for community safety Councillor Bryan Jones joined colleagues from local authorities, colleges, universities and third sector organisations to celebrate the launch of the policy and discuss the importance of a collaborative approach in handling domestic abuse.
Cllr Jones said: “It’s fantastic that Gwent Police are the driving force behind this initiative. Domestic abuse is seldom discussed in the workplace because it’s regarded solely as a domestic problem. Hopefully this policy will eradicate that perception and encourage those suffering to speak out”.
