Bradford BID is hosting a free workshop during national No More Week (4-8 March), for member businesses on why domestic abuse is a workplace issue and how they can better support their workforce. The awareness campaign is aimed at getting organisations to play a more proactive role in standing up against domestic abuse.
The workshop follows Bradford BIDs backing of the Speaking Out: Domestic Abuse and the Workplace summit held in October; the launch of the WalkSafe app to make Bradford the first WalkSafe city in the world; and they are one of the first organisations in Yorkshire to sign up to the Yorkshire Business Charter on Domestic Abuse.
Nikki Chadburn, business communications manager said: “With 1 in 5 people experiencing domestic abuse, it’s an issue that will impact businesses whether they are currently aware of it or not. We’re proud to be leading the way tackling the issue of domestic abuse and supporting our members in this area as we know most organisations won't have a policy or procedures in place. The more we talk about, the more people will feel comfortable and supported”
Current statistics estimate that less than 5% of businesses will have a policy relating to domestic abuse, and the financial cost to businesses in England and Wales is thought to be £14 billion a year through lost productivity caused by time off work due to domestic abuse according to a Home Office report.
The workshop, which will be held at the BID’s new offices on Bank Street on the 7th March, will be hosted by business coach, trainer and domestic abuse campaigner, Ros Jones who is behind the Speaking Out Summit and the Charter. Ros is on a mission to get domestic abuse talked about and addressed in workplaces much like mental health and menopause has been in recent years.
Ros adds: “Domestic abuse is one of the last taboos that very few people are willing to speak about whether they are victims or not. The impact of domestic abuse on those experiencing it is immense. Most people experiencing domestic abuse suffer in silence, through feelings of guilt or shame or fear.
"The impact of domestic abuse inevitably spills over to the workplace in various ways and businesses need to take more of a proactive role in addressing this for the benefit of their workforce and their business.”
The event is free for BID members who can book their free place on our website www.bradfordbid.co.uk, non-BID Members can also book a place for £50pp by emailing enquiries@bradfordbid.co.uk
