{"id":12881,"date":"2023-08-01T06:48:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T05:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citysecuritymagazine.com\/?p=12881"},"modified":"2023-08-02T13:51:45","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T12:51:45","slug":"domestic-abuse-is-all-our-business-how-employers-can-support-their-staff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citysecuritymagazine.com\/security-management\/domestic-abuse-is-all-our-business-how-employers-can-support-their-staff\/","title":{"rendered":"Domestic abuse is all our business: How employers can support their staff"},"content":{"rendered":"

Domestic abuse is all our business: <\/strong>How employers can support their staff<\/strong><\/h1>\n

Employers have an important role to play as part of the overall response to domestic abuse. They have a responsibility towards their employees and are often in a unique position to provide both a place of safety and a wide range of support to those facing domestic abuse, including those who want to escape from an abusive relationship.<\/p>\n

Across the UK, one in four women and one in six to seven men are likely to experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.\u00a0 Domestic abuse is an insidious, largely hidden crime, which impacts children, families, and the wider community. It extends beyond physical violence and includes sexual abuse, violent and threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse and psychological or emotional abuse. Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, economic status or background.<\/p>\n

For too long domestic abuse was perceived to be a private matter that happened behind closed doors. We have moved a long way since then in recognising that we all have a part to play in calling it out and supporting those who are affected. However, recent events have exacerbated the issue, with calls to domestic abuse helplines increasing by over 60% since the first Covid national lockdown and the current cost of living crisis adding further stress to the lives of many.<\/p>\n

EIDA<\/a> was set up in 2018 to support employers across the UK to tackle domestic abuse. Since that time, we have grown to a network of over 1,250 employers, who collectively employ at least 25% of the UK\u2019s workforce. We focus on four key activities:<\/p>\n