DOMESTIC & SEXUAL ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICE
Launched in 2008, this service is there to support any staff member experiencing domestic abuse.
This is a free and confidential service for any staff member seeking information or guidance. For more information contact a Support Officer by phoning (028) 95048667 or email domesticandsexualabusesupport@belfasttrust.hscni.net
The Regional Domestic & Sexual Violence helpline is available 24/7 and is open to all women and men: 08088021414
What constitutes domestic abuse?
Like any type of abuse, domestic abuse or violence can take many forms – it can be: Physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, psychological or coercive control. It is persistent and intentional abuse.
Anyone can be a victim – male, female, straight, gay, bisexual, old, young, from any level in the organisation, from any social background or from any race or religious belief. Essentially domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour where control and misuse of power are used by one person over another within an intimate relationship or family. One in four women experience domestic abuse at some time in their life and the statistics for men are one in seven. With more than 20,000 staff, the Trust recognises that domestic abuse could be impacting on a significant proportion of our employees from any level or any discipline within the organisation.
How the Service Works
The Support Service has a number of trained support officers who will provide practical information and support to anyone who wishes to avail of the service.
Uptake of the service is low –but has made a significant difference to many of those who have come forward. The Service can offer a range of adjustments to make work life more sustainable or signpost to the specialist external agencies.
A support officer will provide a confidential and listening ear and can help with emotional support or negotiate for a degree of flexibility with a manager.
As well as salary advances, we can offer signposting to external agencies, special leave, flexible working and safety measures for someone who wants to leave their abusive situation or paid time off for appointments to seek legal advice or arrange alternative housing.
Related Documents
Research has shown that domestic violence causes lasting damage to victim’s physical and mental health, affecting their ability to work, to support themselves, to maintain their self-confidence and to move on and build a new life.
