Trust launches new domestic abuse policy

Trust launches new domestic abuse policy

13 March 2024

HEALTH chiefs launched a vital workplace policy on domestic abuse and sexual violence on International Women’s Day last Friday.

The issues affect countless people across all walks of life, with the repercussions extending far beyond the confines of the home.  

The South Eastern Trust employs a diverse workforce comprising 12,500 staff, with 80% of them women and the organisation knows how crucial it is to support anyone suffering domestic abuse.

Statistics reveal that one in four women and one in six men will encounter domestic abuse in their lifetime, highlighting the need for a comprehensive workplace policy.

Last Friday’s event, at the Great Hall at the Downshire estate in Downpatrick, brought together a diverse range of speakers representing the health rust, PSNI, Safeguarding Board NI, Women’s Aid, The Rainbow Project, Men’s Advisory Project and trade unions. 

A range of issues were discussed providing advice on services that can be put in place if a staff member discloses that they are being abused, including the role of the PSNI in supporting victims of abuse and advice.

A number of dedicated staff across the health trust have received specialised training to serve as ‘domestic abuse champions’ who offer peer support, lending a compassionate ear and guiding colleagues who need practical help to ensure their safety and well-being. 

They say that sometimes confiding in a colleague can be easier rather than a line manager due to misplaced 

feelings of self-blame, embarrassment and shame.

The health trust policy pledges to provide essential assistance to employees facing domestic abuse and sexual violence, including salary advancements, facilitated time off for legal and medical appointments in compliance with the new Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act and office base relocation where necessary. 

Recognising the complexities involved in leaving an abusive relationship, the South Eastern Trust says it remains vigilant to the risk of post-separation and the possibility of abusers targeting victims in the workplace.

The organisation’s chief executive, Roisin Coulter, who opened last Friday’s event, emphasised the importance of providing support to staff who are its backbone. 

“It is important that we work collectively to maximise our knowledge, skills and resources to help prevent domestic abuse, while supporting our staff who may be living with this issue,” she said.

“Domestic abuse knows no boundaries. It affects people from all walks of life and from all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.”

Ms Coulter added: “I am committed, along with Trust Board, to support staff who are experiencing domestic abuse. We need to move forward together with a renewed responsibility to support our staff to stay safe.”

Claire Smyth, from the Director of People and Organisational Development, said domestic abuse is such an important policy which is for all staff, men and women alike. 

She explained the Domestic Abuse Workplace Policy reinforces the health trust’s commitment to address domestic abuse, break the cycle of silence and extend a lifeline of support to those in need within the workforce.

Lyn Preece, Director of Children’s Services,  said she was delighted to attend the event and hoped the policy would help any member of staff who has suffered or who is suffering domestic abuse. 

She added: “They need to know there is support there for them and understanding. They should never feel that they are alone.”  

Sheila Simons, chair of the South Eastern Area Domestic and Sexual Violence and Abuse Partnership, is also supporting the new workplace policy on domestic abuse within the health trust. 

She added: “Very often, staff who deliver health and social care services come across victims of domestic and sexual abuse in their workload, yet the reality of this is some staff may also have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control in their own lives.”