New initiative helps businesses support staff experiencing domestic abuse

Local employers can now benefit from innovative packages of free training and guidance to help them support staff experiencing domestic abuse.

Approximately 30,200 people aged 16 to 74 experience domestic abuse each year in Lincolnshire. This can create significant challenges for businesses, with 1 in 5 employees saying they would stop going into work or take days off due to the impact of the abuse they were experiencing, with 1 in 10 quitting their job.

To better support businesses, the Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership now offers various training and advice packages to help employers to identify domestic abuse, assess risk and ensure positive, effective action is taken to support staff when they need it. Lincolnshire is believed to be one of the first places in the country to offer such in-depth support free of charge.

Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for community safety, said: “Over the last few years, the council has been working more closely with local businesses to tackle domestic abuse. These new support packages will build on that good work, helping businesses to do even more to improve the safety, mental health and wellbeing of their staff.

“Employers can provide vital support to those impacted by domestic abuse and can help identify cases that might perhaps go unnoticed. We want to give them the tools and the confidence to support those that feel they have nowhere to turn for help, because a good response from an employer can make all the difference.”

One business that has already benefited from support is Wilkin Chapman LLP Solicitors. They said: “The Lincolnshire Domestic Abuse Partnership recently delivered an awareness session to our HR and Wellbeing Ambassador teams. The session helped our teams to identify the signs and symptoms of domestic abuse and how to support and signpost individuals in our environment who may be experiencing difficult situations.  

“Although this is a very sensitive topic, it was delivered with great compassion and with an outstanding knowledge of the subject. We have no doubt that our human resources and wellbeing teams are now much better equipped with the knowledge to help and support those who may need it within our environment.”

For further detail on the support packages and to sign up, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/crime-prevention/domestic-abuse/8