Annex
GETTING INVOLVED—HELP AT LAST FOR VICTIMS
OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Workplace support for victims of domestic
violence has been written into a Birmingham manufacturing company's
conditions of employment.
The breakthrough agreement has been negotiated
by T&G senior shop steward Yvonne Swingler at IMI Components
Ltd.
It was launched on the eve of End Violence
Against Women day at the end of last year.
"It has already been used by three
women and others have approached us", Yvonne told Together.
"They have said that had it been available years ago when
they needed it they would have used it then".
"When I approached the company with
the view of putting together a workplace domestic violence policy.
I found them to be very responsive and got agreement to work with
our personnel officer on the subject".
"We worked very well together, researching
all the agencies within the Birmingham area to find out about
the services they offered and how to make contact with them".
"I also invited out regional women's
officer, Lindy Whiston, to talk to our personnel officer and this
meeting proved to be very useful."
"We both attended a domestic violence
awareness day organised by Birmingham Women's Aid. This was extremely
informative and helped us both to further understand the effect
domestic violence can have on the victim. We then felt able to
put together a policy appropriate to our workplace".
It ensures that those who experience
domestic abuse have access to appropriate information and support,
and receive a confidential and sympathetic response. It aims to
raise awareness in the workplace of the commonplace problems of
domestic abuse.
A pledge is made "to sensitively
support employees who are experiencing domestic abuse and whose
work performance may be affected through character changes, performance
related issues, withdrawal from social grouping, an increase in
absenteeism or timekeeping problems ..."
In addition it offers a confidential
and sympathetic approach to the problem and encourages employees
to come forward for help. all employees are to be encouraged to
act responsibly and mindful of the problems facing victims. Confidential
help, support of information can be obtained by contacting the
personnel department. The union can assist with this.
Information about appropriate organisations
and counselling agencies that can provide support will also be
made available on the notice board in the amenities room.
THESE INCLUDE
Victim Support: 0845 3093 0900
Women's Aid: 0121 685 8550
Birmingham Women's Advice & Information: 0121
212 1881
Refuge: 0121 344 4889
Refuge Accommodation: 0121 685 8505
Rape Crisis: 0121 643 5600
Stepping Stone (local support group): 0800 389 5790
(call not recorded on telephone bill)
Samaritans: 0845 790 9090
Broken Rainbow: (for lesbian, gays, bisexuals &
transexuals): 07812 644914
Please note these are mainly midlands phone numbers.
For your region, please contact your regional women's organiser.
| 
