HeForShe Initiative Releases Report on Workplace Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

(IN BRIEF) UN Women, with support from the Vodafone Foundation, conducted research under the HeForShe initiative, examining FTSE 100 companies’ support for employees facing domestic violence and abuse. The report, ‘Small Steps, Big Difference’, highlights the importance of workplace support and reveals that 82% of surveyed companies offer assistance. Key findings include the need for preventive measures and long-term support for economic independence. Participating companies, including Anglo American and Vodafone, aim to share best practices to inspire others. The report serves as a baseline for progress and was launched at a UN Women UK event in London.

(PRESS RELEASE) BERKSHIRE, 5-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — UN Women, with support from the Vodafone Foundation, has unveiled groundbreaking research under its HeForShe initiative, delving into the stance of FTSE 100 companies on supporting employees facing domestic violence and abuse. Titled ‘Small Steps, Big Difference’, the report, released today, scrutinizes current efforts by these companies and proposes avenues for further action within workplaces, communities, and society.

The report underscores the growing recognition of domestic violence and abuse as a pertinent issue for employers, emphasizing the crucial role of workplace support in fostering safe and nurturing environments. With the surveyed 22 FTSE 100 companies collectively employing over 1.6 million individuals—43% of whom are women—these corporate entities wield substantial global influence and possess considerable potential to address domestic violence and abuse, particularly in regions with limited state assistance.

A poignant testimonial from one employee highlights the transformative impact of workplace support: “I would never have left my husband if it wasn’t for the support of my manager and my company’s domestic violence policy. I lost my home, I lost my husband, my children lost living with their dad. The only thing I didn’t lose in all of this was my job! I can provide for me and my children, and I was even able to apply for a mortgage on my own.”

Key findings from the report reveal that 82% of surveyed companies extend support to employees facing domestic violence and abuse. This encompasses immediate assistance, such as referrals to external support organizations, as well as flexible working arrangements and leave options crucial for survivors to escape violence while retaining employment.

Moreover, 53% of companies offer preventive measures, including awareness campaigns and support promotion, aimed at addressing the root causes of abuse. Additionally, 41% provide long-term support to bolster employees’ economic independence, underscoring the multifaceted approach adopted by progressive companies.

Despite strides, there’s recognition of the need for enhanced training, with only 23% of companies offering practical guidance and training for managers and HR professionals to identify and respond to instances of domestic abuse.

Participating companies, including Anglo American, Diageo, HSBC UK, NatWest, Spirax Group, and Vodafone, are actively sharing best practices and lessons learned, aiming to inspire others to implement robust domestic violence and abuse support measures.

The collaborative effort of FTSE 100 companies in participating and sharing insights marks an unprecedented commitment to combat domestic violence and abuse. The survey, serving as a foundational reference point, holds promise for tracking progress and setting benchmarks in addressing this critical issue.

The report’s launch took place at a UN Women UK event in London on Tuesday, March 5th.

Welcoming this report, Tabitha Morton, Executive Director, UN Women UK, said: “Today marks a pivotal step forward in our collective journey towards gender equality. With the launch of the UN Women research into FTSE100 companies’ support for domestic violence and abuse survivors, we are not only shedding light on a critical issue but also paving the way for meaningful change. Every action taken by these organisations has the power to transform lives and dismantle the barriers that survivors face. Together, we must harness this momentum to ensure that survivors are not only heard but supported in every facet of society.”

Leanne Wood, Chief Human Resources Officer, Vodafone Group, and Vodafone Foundation Trustee said: “Vodafone Foundation is proud to have partnered with UN Women on this research. As a business, we believe domestic abuse is a vital topic for employers to engage with. We launched our global domestic abuse policy in 2019: what is an equality issue is a business issue. This should become a norm in workplaces, and we are keen to work with other FTSE100 companies to implement global standards. At the same time, Vodafone Foundation provides support through the Bright Sky app, which enables people affected by domestic abuse to find local support and offers advice for those wanting to help, and by raising awareness of this issue through digital campaigns.”

Jen Tippin, Chief People & Transformation Officer, NatWest Group, said: “Supporting survivors of domestic violence is exceptionally important. With 60,000 colleagues across NatWest Group, we’re keenly aware of our responsibility in fostering a safe environment in which colleagues can speak up without fear, in total confidence and with the full support of the Group. For our customers, we support the SafeLives CircleFund and the Hestia ‘UK Says no More’ campaign as well as helping survivors of domestic, economic, and financial abuse every single day. That’s why I’m proud to be part of the conversation alongside other FTSE 100 organisations, so we can learn from each other and, importantly, explore how we can work together to better support survivors.”

Zahira Quattrocchi, Group Head of Culture & Organisation Effectiveness, Anglo American, said: “Being able to contribute to the conversation on how corporate organisations can come together to help tackle destructive behaviours means a great deal to Anglo American. We are proud of the work we have done so far to tackle DVA by taking a clear stand against these behaviours while providing sector-leading support to survivors within our workforce. We are determined to keep on improving our policies and responses and to keep on widening our reach. We believe that businesses like us have a collective responsibility to respond to societal issues and we hope to learn more about the work of other organisations and share challenges and successes which will encourage more organisations to take similar action. “

The report is also being supported by independent experts and charities. Susan Bright, CEO at EIDA, the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse, said: “We welcome this research by UN Women supported by the Vodafone Foundation. It is great to see the practical support provided by FTSE100 companies that are leading the way in responding to those impacted by domestic abuse around the world. For someone experiencing domestic abuse, work may be their only place of safety. All employers should have a domestic abuse policy or guidance, setting out the support they provide and how to access it. This gives confidence to those at risk that they will be believed and supported.

“It also makes good business sense. How can people possibly perform at their best at work when they are experiencing domestic abuse? EIDA supports employers to develop and embed a workplace domestic abuse response and to share best practice. Together we can change – and save – lives. We hope other employers will be inspired by this report to take action.”

Examples of companies with strong policies on domestic violence include Anglo American, Diageo, HSBC UK, NatWest, Spirax Group and Vodafone:

Anglo American has a global policy, covering 15 countries worldwide. This includes safe accommodation for an employee who needs to leave their home in an emergency.

HSBC UK provides support for employees in the UK, giving access to financial grants, awarded through Bank Workers Charity. HSBC also runs regular awareness raising webinars to help raise awareness and educate colleagues.

Vodafone launched the first known global domestic violence and abuse policy (covering 19 countries worldwide) in 2019. Vodafone Foundation has also used technology to connect over 2.8 million people affected by domestic abuse and hate crime to advice, support, and education. This includes “Bright Sky” a safe, easy to use app and website which provides support and information to spot the signs of abuse, know how to respond and help someone find a safe route to support which is available in over 13 countries.

The full report is available here: Small steps, big difference v2 (heforshe.org)along with an executive summary here: Small steps, big difference – Executive Summary (heforshe.org)

Notes to Editors – supporting materials available:

Interviews / quotes with UN Women UK National Committee, Vodafone, and some of the leading FTSE100 companies involved in this research.

A compelling written testimony by an employee who was helped to leave an abusive relationship through this activity. She could also be available for direct (anonymised) interview if required.

Further details of the breakdown of different policies pursued by the FTSE100.

About UN Women

UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. For more information, visit www.unwomen.org.

About HeForShe

Created by UN Women, HeForShe is a solidarity movement for gender equality that invites men and boys to act for a more equal world. HeForShe provides targeted platform where a global audience can engage and advocate for the achievement of gender equality in our lifetime. The movement invites people around the world to stand together as equal partners to craft a shared vision of a gender-equal world and implement specific, locally relevant solutions. For more information, visit: www.HeForShe.org/en.

About Vodafone Foundation

Vodafone Foundation (UK registered charity number 1193984) believes the power of connectivity can change lives and address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Founded in 1991 with a simple mission to invest in the communities in which Vodafone operates, today the charity connects people and ideas with technology and funding, to help those already doing good work to achieve results faster, more cost effectively and with a bigger social impact. Through a strategy of Connecting for Good, Vodafone Group PLC’s philanthropic arm works in partnership with other charitable organisations and NGOs to create solutions that bring about long-term sustainable change and improve lives. For further information, please visit www.vodafonefoundation.org

Media contact:
GroupMedia@vodafone.com

SOURCE: VODAFONE