Club members were privileged to attend the Freedom Project Cumbria’s Inaugural conference on Domestic Abuse in the workplace. http://freedom-project-west-cumbria.org.uk
The conference aims were to:
- educate and upskill on the topic of Domestic Abuse,
- provide insights into the impact of Domestic Abuse in the workplace,
- provide best practice for supporting employees
- explore practical approaches to foster a culture of safety and inclusion.
We heard powerful and insightful stories from survivors with truly heart rendering lived experience.
The Police Fire and Crime Commissioner talked of the strategies they have in place to ensure victims are believed and supported, perpetrators are brought to justice and Education programmes are in place to help break the cycle.
The local council described the strategy they have in place and the challenge that we have in Cumbria. Shockingly it is estimated that only 34% of female victims and 24% of male victims are known to the authorities and are therefore able to access support.
Finally, we heard from Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse http://eida.org.uk an organization that strives to ensure that every employer is taking effective action on Domestic Abuse. They have a wide range of materials that can be used to support employers, both large and small in developing their Domestic Abuse policies and staff training materials.
The conference provided us with an opportunity to share the work we are doing in the space and more widely. It also allowed us to build connections with other organisations working in Domestic Abuse.
From those with lived experience the real message to employers was “above all be flexible, be willing to listen and above all else be KIND..”