A “GROUNDBREAKING” initiative which will provide resources and training for employers to identify signs of domestic abuse is due to be launched early next year.
The Jersey Safeguarding Partnership Board has announced its multi-agency Spot The Red Flags campaign, which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse and coercive control and the impacts these issues can have in the workplace, regardless of gender or sexuality.
This comes weeks after the Violence Against Women and Girls Taskforce Report unveiled the scale of domestic abuse in the Island.
As well as resources and training for employers, the initiative will also address concerns with staff and ensure they are aware of available support in the Island.
And the government will be developing further internal guidance for managers to better equip them in responding to situations of domestic abuse.
The board’s manager, Cathy Davison, said: “Domestic abuse, in any form, has a significant and detrimental effect on people’s lives. For some, a place of work is their safe haven, and we need to raise awareness of the signs of domestic abuse and encourage colleagues to act.
“As a colleague, being aware of the signs of domestic abuse and asking the right questions, in a supportive manner, may be the first step to help a person live free from domestic abuse.”
The service manager at Jersey Domestic Abuse Support, Sarah Hamon, added: “We are hopeful that this campaign can help colleagues and managers to spot the red flags of domestic abuse and enable conversations to obtain the right support and guidance.
“Whether you work in a small or large business, we want to hear from you. Your input will be invaluable in shaping this campaign and making a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic abuse.”
An online survey is available for businesses to gather insight into existing policies and procedures, assess employers’ confidence in identifying the signs and determine what additional support might be needed.
Businesses can register their interest in attending a breakfast launch event on 29 February at The Royal Yacht hotel to learn more about the campaign and access resources.
For more information, to register interest for the launch event or to complete the online survey, visit spottheredflags.je/business/.
