Bosses Targeted On Domestic Violence

Company bosses across Northern Ireland are being urged to show their support for victims of domestic violence.

The employers are being asked to sign up to a major new programme launched at the University of Ulster's Jordanstown campus this week.

Developed by ONUS, a social economy business that gift aids its profits to Women's Aid, the Workplace Charter on Domestic Violence provides businesses with essential advice and practical training to help and support staff suffering from domestic violence.

The training and consultancy service works with employers to put measures in place to ensure support for employees who are victims of abuse.

The programme has already enabled a number of launch organisations to develop an effective workplace policy for dealing with the domestic violence issue, with 11 of those organisations receiving awards.

Speaking at the launch, Colette Stewart, Business Manager from ONUS, said: "Domestic abuse in Northern Ireland remains a serious issue with one-in-four women and one-in-nine men likely to experience domestic violence at some point in their lives.

"For employers this presents a challenge as many organisations wrongly believe this is a not a workplace concern."

Dr Fred Morrison, Director of DIVA Communication at the University of Ulster, carried out research into the business uptake of the recent 'Workplace Policy on Domestic Violence and Abuse' published by Department of Health and the Northern Ireland Office.

Pictured (above) presenting award to Hazel Baird, Northern Health and Social Care Trust with Adeline Frew, ONUS Chairperson, he said: "Across organisations of all sizes in Northern Ireland there remains a common misconception that domestic violence is simply not a workplace concern.

"Many business managers recognise their employees as key assets.

"Yet few realise that by improving duty of care, employers can not only change a person's living quality but also improve their productivity, improve safety in the workplace and increase gains to the business," he explained.

"The Workplace Charter on Domestic Violence is a simple and cost-effective method for employers to come on board and enhance their safe-workplace practices."

For further, see: www.itisaworkplaceissue.co.uk

(BMcC/GK)