Menu
01/12/2022
Staff Experiencing Domestic Abuse Need More Support – Alliance
The Alliance Party has called on employers to review their policies and procedures to ensure those experiencing domestic abuse receive the right support.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Speaking during the campaign, Economy Spokesperson Stewart Dickson said: "Too often, women endure physical, mental, sexual, and financial trauma, and out of a sense of fear and shame, feel unable to report their experiences.
"For women who find themselves in that position, it is important that you know that your employer has a legal duty of care to protect you whilst at work. The workplace can be a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse.
"Employers must review their policies and procedures to ensure that the right support mechanisms are in place for staff experiencing domestic violence. For example, possible measures to implement could be facilitating paid leave for medical and legal appointments, improving workplace security, and offering mental health support.
"It is also important that employers and work colleagues are aware of the challenges working from home and hybrid-work arrangements may pose for some, and how they may potentially increase the risk posed to those experiencing domestic abuse. Working with colleagues may be their only engagement with the outside world, and therefore their work relationships may be their best chance of getting help.
"If you are worried about a colleague or employee the most important thing to remember is that help is available."
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marked the launch of the UNiTE campaign — 16 days of activism concluding on International Human Rights Day (10 December).
Speaking during the campaign, Economy Spokesperson Stewart Dickson said: "Too often, women endure physical, mental, sexual, and financial trauma, and out of a sense of fear and shame, feel unable to report their experiences.
"For women who find themselves in that position, it is important that you know that your employer has a legal duty of care to protect you whilst at work. The workplace can be a lifeline for survivors of domestic abuse.
"Employers must review their policies and procedures to ensure that the right support mechanisms are in place for staff experiencing domestic violence. For example, possible measures to implement could be facilitating paid leave for medical and legal appointments, improving workplace security, and offering mental health support.
"It is also important that employers and work colleagues are aware of the challenges working from home and hybrid-work arrangements may pose for some, and how they may potentially increase the risk posed to those experiencing domestic abuse. Working with colleagues may be their only engagement with the outside world, and therefore their work relationships may be their best chance of getting help.
"If you are worried about a colleague or employee the most important thing to remember is that help is available."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 October 2021
Justice Minster Will Do 'All She Can' For Those Affected By Domestic Abuse
Justice Minster Naomi Long has said that she will do all that she can to "support and continue to deliver for those affected by domestic abuse".
Justice Minster Will Do 'All She Can' For Those Affected By Domestic Abuse
Justice Minster Naomi Long has said that she will do all that she can to "support and continue to deliver for those affected by domestic abuse".
20 December 2022
People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Urged To Seek Support
Following a meeting with Women's Aid, SDLP Representative for Cusher, Emmajayne McKernan has urged people to seek support this festive period if experiencing domestic abuse. Speaking after the meeting Emmajayne said: "Unfortunately domestic abuse continues to be a silent struggle in many homes across the island.
People Experiencing Domestic Abuse Urged To Seek Support
Following a meeting with Women's Aid, SDLP Representative for Cusher, Emmajayne McKernan has urged people to seek support this festive period if experiencing domestic abuse. Speaking after the meeting Emmajayne said: "Unfortunately domestic abuse continues to be a silent struggle in many homes across the island.
24 March 2009
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
NI Domestic Call-Outs 'Endemic'
Police respond to a domestic call-out every 23 minutes in Northern Ireland, in what has been described as an 'endemic problem' of abuse in the home. According to a report by the Policing Board, one in four women in the province will be attacked by their partner.
11 February 2009
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
Domestic Violence Targeted
There has been a call for more to be done to tackle the issue of domestic violence. Members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board met this week with senior police officers and officials from the Department of Health & Social Services to discuss ongoing programmes of work to deal with both domestic violence and abuse.
26 November 2018
New Workplace Guidance On Sexual Violence Welcomed
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, has welcomed new Workplace Guidance published by the Department of Health and Department of Justice on how employers can increase awareness and respond more effectively to domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
New Workplace Guidance On Sexual Violence Welcomed
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, has welcomed new Workplace Guidance published by the Department of Health and Department of Justice on how employers can increase awareness and respond more effectively to domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
