- Conference
- 2014 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 16 October 2013
- Decision
- Carried
The Cymru/Wales Regional Women’s Committee recognises the ever present need of support, advice and guidance required for those experiencing domestic abuse. Despite the rise in demand for domestic abuse support, austerity measures have slashed charity funding leaving sufferers vulnerable and isolated.
Employers have a duty of care to their employees. For those experiencing domestic abuse, knowing their employer has a domestic abuse policy, taking into account absence relating to domestic abuse, is of great comfort.
Strong local relationships with domestic abuse organisations and promoting the use of resources available would not only benefit members but also employers as it would ensure that employees maximise their attendance at work and maintain a productive workload.
This is particularly relevant at present, during a period of austerity, where statistics have evidenced a rise in incidents of domestic violence.
Conference calls on the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Work with Regional Women’s Committees to seek to ensure all employers have a robust Domestic Abuse policy, which all staff are aware of, and are able to access.
2. Promote the use of resources such as UNISON’s ‘There For You’ (UNISON Welfare), financial and debt advice/support, reference guides such as ‘The Cookbook’ etc, to both UNISON members and Management.
3. Develop relationships with external domestic abuse organisations in order to provide information (where necessary) to members, but also to promote UNISON’s assistance to its members.
4. Actively encourage all employers to hold details of women’s organisations, local charities, informal social groups, religious groups and inter-governmental organisations in order to sign post those affected by domestic abuse.