Welsh Contact Centre Forum 20 January 2011 Jennifer Dunne and Wayne Vincent Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Commission Created October 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 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 Bridgets story – the business case for having a policy Further informationtel: