A new free advice line for businesses supporting employees experiencing or at risk of domestic abuse has been launched by crisis support charity Hestia.
One in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime with 10% of victims reporting abuse at work, according to a 2014 Trades Union Congress report.
The ‘Everyone’s Business Advice Line’ will be a point of contact for businesses, supporting them on how to approach disclosures of domestic abuse by their employees, particularly in light of Covid-19.
They will also receive advice so that they can signpost staff to specialist domestic abuse services.
Hestia says lockdown has shown that home is not always safe for everyone, and with more people working remotely due to Covid-19, cases of domestic abuse are rising.
The charity saw a 47% increase in victims reaching out for information and support on its free domestic abuse app, Bright Sky.
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Hestia launched the Everyone’s Business programme to increase awareness and support in the workplace and have worked with over 70 organisations from the Metropolitan Police to Balfour Beatty.
A 2017 domestic abuse report ran in collaboration with Durham University revealed that whilst 86% of employers agree they have a duty of care to support employees experiencing domestic abuse, the 2014 TUC report showed that fewer than one in three victims disclose the abuse at work, citing ‘shame’ and ‘privacy’.
Lyndsey Dearlove, head of Everyone’s Business Advice Line at Hestia said: "By providing a free advice line that offers guidance, employers will be able to help their employees and direct them to practical support. When employers take action and respond to domestic abuse, we know it saves lives. For too long domestic abuse has been nobody’s business and it is time it becomes everyone’s business."
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A survivor of domestic abuse said: “When my employer started working with Hestia, it was a turning point. This was my last resort to get help. I met with their Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and talked about my experience. It was the first time I felt believed.
“It was like a weight had been lifted. Without this service, I don’t know what would have happened. It is vital that businesses can provide this type of service. I want to tell anyone who is in the same situation I was in that talking to someone can make so much difference - speak to your employer.”
For more information and the contact details, visit https://www.hestia.org/everyonesbusiness
