Police Urge Small Businesses To Attend Domestic Abuse Event

Do you run a small business? Would you be able tell if one of your employees was suffering from domestic abuse and how to support them?

With around 75 per cent of domestic abuse victims being targeted at work, West Mercia Police - along with West Mercia Women's Aid - is holding an event aimed to help local firms develop their understanding of domestic abuse and the impact on their business.

‘Domestic Abuse: The Hidden Costs to YOUR Organisation' is being held at Sixways Stadium, the home of Worcester Warriors, on Thursday, 11 October, with domestic abuse survivor actress Lynda Bellingham attending the event.

Other speakers include: the Corporate Alliance Against Domestic Violence (CAADV), the White Ribbon Campaign (led by men working to end violence against women). The event is further supported by the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

Detective Sergeant Sharon Avery from the force's public protection unit - who deal with domestic abuse - said: "As a force, we work very hard to help victims of domestic violence and bring offenders to justice. The statistics are sobering: one in four women and one in six men will be victims of domestic abuse in their lifetime.

"Local businesses can help us tackle this issue by recognising the signs of domestic abuse early.

"It is estimated that 55 per cent of abused women arrive late for work at least five times per month and 53 per cent are absent for at least three days per month, but a lot of employers may not fully appreciate the impact that this has on their business.

"It's thought that factors such as lateness and absenteeism, along with the emotional and physical effects on staff members suffering abuse, reduced productivity and recruitment costs are estimated to cost the UK economy £1.9 billion per year, so it's an issue that businesses need to be aware of.

"The event at Sixways will offer practical advice, guidance and support to businesses so they can better manage the welfare of staff who suffer abuse, and I would urge local firms in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire to attend."

For more information, or to book a place at the event, please email [email protected]

Further information and advice for domestic abuse victims, their families and friends, plus details of how offenders can seek to help change their behaviour can be found by visiting the personal safety page on our website: http://www.westmercia.police.uk/advicecentre/

Issued: Thursday, 27 September 2012