The Importance Of Domestic Abuse Awareness

Although some don’t want to admit it, domestic violence is a prevalent and universal issue that impacts people, families, communities and society. Sweeping it under the carpet will not make it go away. Only through active listening, talking and increasing awareness can we encourage a supportive and effective solution to stop it.

Fearing the topic only empowers those inflicting suffering onto others. By talking about domestic abuse, we start to diminish the stigma and break down such a sensitive and complex issue.

Conversations can begin between friends, family, trusted organisations and workplaces. By encouraging open conversations about unhealthy relationships and negative behaviours, we can begin to identify signs of domestic abuse, alter mindsets towards violence, and feel confident in offering support and advice to those who seek it.

We spend 35 to 60 hours a week in our workplace. Our colleagues become family, and even those in different departments, we notice their mannerisms and personalities when we spot them in the canteen or waiting for the same bus. So, when their behaviour suddenly or gradually changes, we’re often the first to spot it.

Some of these signs may cause concern and indicate that all is not well for the individual. There may be many reasons for their change in body language and attitude, but signs which could indicate domestic abuse include:

• Increased anxiety
• Easily distracted
• Isolates themselves
• Decreased collaboration
• Lack of motivation
• Lateness
• Increased attachment to their phone

Not only are you demonstrating your stance on the matter of domestic abuse as a company, but you are also placing the welfare of your staff at the forefront. Through our in-depth training, we’ve noticed several benefits to colleagues, such as:

• Upskilling employees
• Building confidence
• Improving communication skills
• Enhancing soft skills
• Creating a safer work environment
• Improving inclusivity
• Practising empathy

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At eve, we offer an interactive training session covering questions such as: What is domestic abuse? How do I know if an employee is experiencing domestic violence? How do I manage a sensitive situation? What do I do regarding a claim of abusive behaviour? What is my responsibility as an employer?

Our courses are tailored to meet the needs of your team, business and industry and will cover topics such as:

• Understanding domestic violence and the different types of abuse
• Reviewing your existing domestic abuse policy
• Developing any areas to support everyone
• Supporting you in adapting and educating your team
• Looking out for signs of domestic abuse
• Personal safety advice
• How to have conversations with people you are concerned for
• Helping you form questions and responses to victims and perpetrators
• How to address those using abusive behaviour
• Providing additional resources and access to specialist support services

Our trainers are professionals within their field and hold a wealth of experience regarding domestic violence. They have worked with women and children trapped in unhealthy relationships, those who have escaped and require safe refuge, those who have completely transformed their lives, and even perpetrators who are actively changing the way they think and act.

With their specialist backgrounds, they will lead informative and enlightening training programmes for your team. We may also introduce guest speakers and stories from our service users where we feel safe and appropriate.

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Whether you work in the field of domestic abuse or would like to offer additional training to enhance your team’s understanding of the subject, domestic abuse awareness is beneficial for:

• HR professionals
• Corporate and private sectors
• Managers, Directors and CEOs
• First Aiders and Mental Health First Aiders
• Practitioners and Clinicians
• Teachers and support staff
• Volunteers
• Anyone and everyone

Many businesses have a corporate and social responsibility to their staff and community. We can help you fulfil your CSR through training programmes that empower you to educate others. Whether you do this via training sessions or courses as part of your onboarding process or sharing with your audience via communications, you can optimise your platform to bring positive change towards women and children.

To register your interest, please email trainingadmin@eve.org.uk, and we’ll be in touch to arrange a convenient time and place. To learn more about our training courses, you can visit our website or download our training brochure.

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