York businesses are being encouraged to help contribute to the fight against domestic abuse.
A free-to-attend Domestic Abuse: Awareness for Businesses session is being run by the City Council on th morning of February 4th at the Priory Street Centre.
The session, led by the council’s Domestic Abuse Engagement team, will help employers and public facing businesses recognise the signs of an abusive relationship and understand what they can do to support colleagues and customers who are experiencing this.
Attendees will hear from speakers representing key organisations supporting victim-survivors of domestic abuse and will gain valuable insights into domestic abuse, its effects on local businesses, and how employers can support those affected.
Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care at the Council, said: “Whether as employers or public-facing spaces, businesses have a key role to play in promoting awareness and support available for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
“Going to work, or visiting a customer-facing business, might be one of the only opportunities where someone experiencing abuse can open up about what they’re going through.
“It’s so important for colleagues and employers to be able to recognise the warning signs and to create a safe space at work where employees and customers alike can speak out about an abusive situation and access the support they need.
“Domestic abuse is everyone’s business and I urge members of York’s business community to join us for this important session and learn how they can support victim-survivors and create safer spaces for those affected.”
