On Thursday 30th July 2009, Stockton Borough Council launched its new Domestic Abuse Work Force Policy.
The policy has been adopted by the Council and forms part of the ongoing commitment to promote dignity at work and the health, safety and welfare of all employees.
The policy aims to:
- support anyone experiencing domestic abuse
- minimise the risk to employees from domestic abuse
- provide a confidential reporting and advice service for employees and councillors
- prevent and minimise any impact on the delivery of council services
- hold perpetrators of domestic abuse accountable for their actions through disciplinary action
Nationally one in four women experience domestic abuse at some point in their life and in any one year more than 20% of employed women take time off work because of domestic abuse - 2% even lose their jobs as a direct result.
The policy links in closely with the Dignity at Work process by providing confidential advice and guidance to employees suffering Domestic Abuse. Several of the Dignity at Work Advisors are specifically trained in Domestic Abuse and anyone suffering from Domestic Abuse is urged to get in touch with them for support.
Stockton is the first Council in the region to adopt the policy and in the coming months it will be rolled it out to other organisations within the Safer Stockton Partnership and to private businesses.
For more information please contact Laura Gourlay, Domestic Violence Coordinator on 07789618870 or email laura.gourlay@stockton.gov.uk.