Sunderland domestic abuse charity urging businesses to support victims in the workplace
A Sunderland domestic abuse charity are urging businesses and organisations to help support employees experiencing abuse.
They say an estimated £14 billion is lost to business every year as a result of domestic abuse.
Laura Seebohm, Chief Executive of Wearside Women in Need, tells us about the support businesses can provide and how it is a vital piece to the jigsaw of tackling domestic abuse.
She said: "When people join your organisation, your company, your business, talk about it as part of their induction.
"So any victim going through domestic abuse or family/friends/anyone worried about someone else where domestic abuse is impacting their life will know your business or organisation is somewhere safe to discuss it."
They say that bringing employers from all sectors and businesses into the solution means that employees will have supportive and informed interaction in their workplace.
Laura continued to say: "Sometimes the workplace is the one safe space for people.
"It's the one place maybe where they're not being controlled and so they can maybe try and seek support, attend appointments and just get informal support from colleagues.
"Statistically we will all have a friend, a colleague, a neighbour, family member, a loved one who is experiencing domestic abuse.
"It does affect us all so we want everyone across all parts of our community, including employers and businesses, to speak up."