Businesses Urged to Support Efforts to Tackle Violence Against Women

At the end of 2025, the government published their
long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy outlining their
plans to tackle an issue that has frequently been described as a “national
emergency.”

Whilst the strategy predominantly contained information
about the legislation that would be introduced, it also reminded businesses and
organisations of their responsibilities in tackling violence against women.

In the introduction to the strategy, the government called
on businesses to play an active role in “protecting employees, supporting
survivors and championing gender equality” in their workplaces.

With offences classed as violence against women accounting
for over 20% of all police recorded crime, it is likely an issue that will be
affecting workforces across the region and the country.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) can include:

·       Domestic
abuse

·       Stalking

·       Harassment

·       Rape

·       Sexual
offences

·       Tech-based
violence/abuse

·       Honour-based
abuse

The government hopes that improving understanding of these
forms of abuse, as well as giving businesses the knowledge of how to respond
effectively to support employees, will play a role in tackling violence against
women.

Why do businesses have an important role to
play?

Domestic abuse and other forms of violence not only impact
those experiencing it, but also have a massive effect on our society, our key
services, and the economy.

Figures released alongside the Domestic Abuse Act (2021)
estimated that domestic abuse costs society £66bn every year, with a staggering
£14bn coming from lost output – the costs to businesses and organisations
through staff absence, lack of productivity, or recruitment.

People experiencing domestic abuse are also likely to be
disciplined or even lose their jobs as a result of higher levels of absence
from work, poor time keeping or reduced productivity.

Knowing how to respond to domestic abuse is a challenge for
many businesses, particularly when it can be hard to spot the signs someone is
experiencing it and many are unsure how to provide effective support to those
affected.

There will also be many that do not have policies or
procedures around domestic abuse, making it difficult to know how to respond
effectively and consistently.

Whilst many employers will have clear guidance around
issues such as mental health, the picture around domestic abuse is unclear and
could be costing businesses.

Leeway’s Training

The training provided by Leeway aims to equip businesses
and organisations with the knowledge and ability to spot the signs of domestic
abuse, whilst also being able to signpost employees or clients to access
support. 

Our Domestic Abuse Awareness sessions break down the
different forms of domestic abuse, how to spot the signs – providing real life
examples of what this might look like – and how to approach conversations
around domestic abuse and signpost someone to support.

We also provide bespoke training sessions tailored to meet
the needs of businesses and organisations, specifically covering the issues
that are most relevant to their area of business. 

Leeway can also provide support for businesses and
organisations that are looking to draft or their policies and procedures
around domestic abuse.

Not only will this support businesses and organisations to
meet their duty of care to their employees, but we also believe that this can
save them money too.

To enquire about our training services and how Leeway can
support your business, please email [email protected]. More
information can also be found on the Leeway website.