UNISON not a silent witness

"In my 35 years as a police communications officer with Durham Constabulary, I have witnessed at first hand the devastation which domestic abuse brings to families, and how children are all too often forgotten. That is why I want to take the opportunity of my presidential year to raise money to provide practical help for UNISON members who experience domestic abuse."

I believe that domestic abuse is an issue for us all. At least one in four of us will experience it at some stage in our lives. There are at least two deaths in the UK every week. Domestic abuse accounts for almost a quarter of all reported violent crime. The money raised during my presidential year will be used to help UNISON members and their families, not just now, but into the future. I am proud of the work our union already does:

• working with the government and campaign groups to bring an end to this crime and the culture which allows domestic abuse to continue;
• branches using the UNISON model workplace agreement to negotiate with employers for measures which help those experiencing domestic abuse and survivors to remain at work;
• campaigning for better domestic abuse services, including training for public sector workers;
• the immediate and invaluable support offered by UNISON Welfare through their domestic abuse helpline.

But we can and should do more.

Please help us to support the survivors of domestic abuse. Send your cheques made payable to UNISON Welfare to: President's campaign, UNISON Welfare, 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ or donate online at www.justgiving.com/president2009.

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