EY, along with Norton Rose Fulbright, Gowling WLG, and Team London Bridge have teamed up with the local police to launch a campaign aiming at promoting action against domestic abuse.
The campaign, entitled “16 Days of Action,” will run a series of events from the 25th of November to the 10th of December, exploring the various forms of domestic violence whilst informing businesses on measures they can follow to support their employees experiencing domestic violence.
The big four firm started supporting the programme last year during the 2018 16 Days campaign. As certain businesses lack the infrastructure to deal with the large-scale problem of domestic violence, the campaign offers guidance for them to understand what can be done within the workplace.
In fact, companies can do more to help employees who are victims of domestic violence, such as training those who have witnessed it, and protecting their staff with the goal of ensuring safety and mitigating financial loss.
Safe and supportive workplaces
Paul Quinlan, Head of Employee Relations at EY, commented: “People affected by domestic abuse often see work as a safe space. But it can be more than that. EY, along with other organisations, have made a commitment through membership of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, to help make workplaces across the UK to feel both safe and supportive.
“In 2018 EY launched a guide, with the input of recognised domestic abuse charities, to help our people understand the experiences of their colleagues that may be affected by domestic abuse and the support available to them.”
Quinlan added: “We also introduced new policies including: a week of special paid leave for those experiencing domestic abuse; access to an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate and a specialist counselling service; and accredited training for employees to help identify and support people who may need help.
“16 Days of Action provides a strong platform to encourage employers to focus on the issue and share ideas and knowledge on what can be done. The initiative highlights that domestic abuse is often hidden, but can contribute to absenteeism, lower productivity, and mental ill-health. With education and training we can help people to spot the signs and reach those impacted by domestic abuse.”
To find out more information about the campaign, please visit the Team London Bridge page.