Domestic abuse has no limitations and Christmas provides no solace for those women, children and men affected.
Established back in March, the South Eastern Trust, in partnership with several organisations, came together to set up its Domestic Abuse Champions (DACs) as part of its Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence workplace Policy to support those who are suffering.
Nine months on and with 25 Champions in place, statistics from the PSNI showed that a total of 2,228 calls for help, in relation to domestic abuse incidents, were made over the 2023 Christmas period as part of their annual Operation ‘Seasons Greetings’ initiative.
Senior Social Work Practitioner and Domestic Abuse Champion Steven McNeill explained how his role is to offer an, “Listening ear, a listening voice and to offer confidential support and signpost information to any staff member who is experiencing domestic and sexual abuse. We give that person a safe space to speak and provide information on what the Trust offers in terms of support.”
Domestic Abuse Champions offer information and support over the phone, by email or by arranging a meeting at an agreed time and place.
Steven stressed how “vital” having the initiative in place is, “in order to support staff.”
Steven continued, “There are 12,500 members of staff within the Trust and 80 per cent of them are female, so that is 10,000 women. One in four women will have experienced domestic abuse in their lifetime – so that approximates 2,500 members of staff. If we look at the male population of staff, it’s 2,500 men and one in six will have experienced domestic abuse. There is a large swell of staff who may require support at any time and it’s great that the Trust has this initiative in order to support its staff.”
“We are very mindful that this time of year can be increasing difficult with stress and strain on individuals and families and we are open at any point for our staff.”
When asked why he wanted to become a Domestic Abuse Champion Steven replied, “I feel it is important to be a Champion as the Trust has supported me and I want to support the Trust.”
“If we better support our staff it is going to cut down on illnesses, on absences, it’s going to help the staff that we do have perform their role better both inside and outside of work. It’s a listening ear, it’s support, it’s guidance and it’s signposting.”
Traci Kimber Co-ordinator of the South Eastern Trust Area Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership shared how Domestic Abuse Champions are there to support, “All members of staff.”
“I am confident that by having the Champions it is making a difference and people have sought advice. It is important to have this in place because of the amount of staff we have and ultimately providing support to staff. This is a confidential service and no personal details are recorded.”
“The longer this provision is in place gives staff the chance to access it. Having the Domestic Abuse Champions is an invaluable part of the Domestic Abuse workplace policy. It is essential for staff to know that support is there and that the Trust are collectively providing that for their staff.”
For free, confidential help the following organisations can be contacted:
The South Eastern Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership 24 hour helpline 0800 802 1414
Women’s Aid 1800 341 900
Men’s Advisory Project (MAP) 02890 241929