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Welsh Contact Centre Forum 20 January 2011 Jennifer Dunne and Wayne Vincent Equality and Human Rights Commission. The Commission. Created October 1 2007 Independent statutory body Promote equality Tackle inequality Promote good relations Promote and protect human rights. Our vision.
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Welsh Contact Centre Forum 20 January 2011 Jennifer Dunne and Wayne Vincent Equality and Human Rights Commission
The Commission • Created October 1 2007 • Independent statutory body • Promote equality • Tackle inequality • Promote good relations • Promote and protect human rights
Our vision • A society built on fairness and respect • People confident in all aspects of their diversity
How we work • Building partnerships • Bringing people together • Brokering difficult debates • Developing networks • Sharing effective practice • Building on our learning • Modern regulator
Working with business • Equality Act • Tips and guidance • Good business sense
Our research • 97% of Welsh adults think that it is never acceptable to bully or hit a partner under any circumstance • 19% of Welsh adults think that domestic abuse is best handled as a private matter instead of by the police.
What is domestic abuse? Domestic abuse can include a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviours, including: • Physical • Psychological • Emotional • Sexual • Financial control;
The facts • 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime • 2 women a week are killed by (ex-) partners • Every minute 1 incident of domestic abuse reported to the police – yet only 35% of domestic abuse incidents are reported to the police • On average a women is assaulted 35 times before seeking assistance
Why action is needed in the workplace • 75% of victims are targeted at work • Costs UK businesses over £2.7 billion a year • Half the costs of such sickness absences is covered by the employer and half by the individual in lost wages
Impact on the workplace • Sick days • Absenteeism • Lateness • Stress • Decreased productivity • Employee turnover • Impact on work colleagues • Employee convicted perpetrator - organisation reputation
What you can do Make your workplace a safe place where colleagues can discuss, disclose and ask for help
Top Ten Tips • Be aware that domestic abuse can take many different forms • Talk about domestic abuse • Look for sudden changes in behaviour/quality of work • Look for changes in dress • Believe an employee- do not ask for proof
Top Ten Tips • Move an employee out of public view • Divert phone calls and email messages • Alert reception and security staff • Put up domestic abuse helpline posters on the back of toilet doors • Have a list of the support services offered in your area
EHRC toolkit • Digital story • Practical tips and guidance for developing a policy • Bridget’s story – the business case for having a policy Further information tel: 029 20447710 wales@equalityhumanrights.com www.equalityhumanrights.com/yourbusiness