Business event aims to put spotlight on domestic abuse

A pioneering business event is set to return to Yorkshire with the aim of raising awareness about domestic abuse. The event will feature speakers such as North Yorkshire Police’s first Domestic Abuse Inspector, Clare Crossan, and TV journalist and presenter, Christa Ackroyd.

Created by Scarborough business coach and author Ros Jones, the "Speaking Out: Domestic Abuse and the Workplace" event will take place on Wednesday, 23rd October, in Scarborough. The event aims to educate the business community on this critical issue, which significantly impacts the workforce, affecting 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men, and costing the UK economy £23 billion annually.

Following last year's event in Leeds, which saw the launch of the Yorkshire Business Charter on Domestic Abuse, this year’s summit will be held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Ros Jones, who was Highly Commended for her advocacy work at the BBC York Make A Difference Awards earlier this month, firmly believes that businesses have a vital role to play in addressing domestic abuse and that the time has come for businesses to act and protect their employees. Ros says:

“Domestic abuse isn’t a topic most businesses have a specific policy on or proactively address in terms of support for their colleagues. It’s a taboo subject, but it’s a problem that is so pervasive it extends beyond the confines of the home, affecting various areas of a sufferer’s life, including the workplace.”

“We are thankfully in an age when good businesses and employers recognise their responsibility to support the wellbeing of their workforce. We’ve seen great strides over recent years in supporting mental health and the menopause, but domestic abuse remains an issue silenced and unspoken about in most workplaces. This event represents a significant step toward creating a safer, more supportive work environment.”

The event is designed to provide businesses with insights on what domestic abuse is, its different forms, and to address the myths surrounding it. Attendees will hear from professionals in the legal, HR, and finance sectors to help create frameworks to support staff. Survivors of domestic abuse will also share their experiences.

Inspector Clare Crossan adds: “This event provides an opportunity to raise awareness of what domestic abuse looks like, how you can get help - not necessarily from the police if you prefer not to - and how to recognise the signs in your colleagues.

“Domestic abuse makes up 18 percent of all reported crime and we know it is under-reported so the actual figure will be much higher. It disproportionately affects women and is one of the biggest threats to society.”

Tickets are available now for the event, which will be held at Scarborough Rugby Club from 10 am to 4 pm, with profit proceeds supporting Yorkshire charity IDAS.

Tickets can be purchased at www.businesswellbeing.club/events.