Gillian Keegan MP has become a member of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) and is encouraging other local employers to sign up.
EIDA works with businesses to provide practical guidance and support to implement and deliver employer response plans in cases where staff are facing domestic abuse. The organisation provides materials, expertise, best practice and signposting through a portfolio of tools, and a network of partners, programmes and initiatives. This ensures businesses are ready and able to support employees if, and when, such abuse is brought to their attention.
Gillian said, “This is a hugely important programme that ensures employers can identify cases of domestic abuse and take swift action. No one should have to suffer abuse and as employers, we can support our staff in such instances. I fully encourage businesses across the area to sign-up and put plans in place to help their employees should the need arise.”
“For anyone suffering abuse now, you do NOT need to stay at home, and I encourage you to seek support. I have pulled together a page on my website that includes some of the national and local support on offer, https://www.gilliankeegan.com/coronavirus-domesticabusesupport”
Lorraine O’Brien, EIDA’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to have Gillian’s ongoing support, and thank her for championing our work. The role of employers in tackling domestic abuse has become even more apparent during the pandemic and ongoing commitment from high profile and influential employers will make a huge difference to our aim of stopping domestic abuse in all its forms, once and for all.”
COVID-19 has heightened the need for businesses to be prepared for such instances, with domestic abuse rising sharply during lockdowns. Last summer the UN described the growing issue as the “shadow pandemic”. Furthermore, a survey conducted by Women’s Aid reported that 71.6% of survivors have had to spend more time with their abuser, and 67.4% of survivors said that their abuse had worsened since the start of the pandemic.
In response, the Government have taken action with significant investment including an extra £40 million to help victims during the pandemic and beyond. The funding also builds on the £76 million pledged by Ministers last year to help the most vulnerable in society during the pandemic, as well as an extra £125 million for local authorities to provide support in safe accommodation for victims of domestic abuse and their children.
Domestic Abuse victims will now be able to access this support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK. By asking for 'ANI', a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services such as national or local domestic abuse helplines. The scheme will initially be available through the 2,300 Boots stores across the UK as well as 255 independent pharmacies.
The Government are also progressing with the Domestic Abuse Bill which includes the introduction of new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders to further protect victims and place restrictions on the actions of offenders.
A Domestic Abuse Commissioner has also been appointed to stand up for victims and survivors; raise public awareness; monitor the response of local authorities, the justice system and other statutory agencies; and hold them to account in tackling domestic abuse.
