British Cleaning Council Joins Domestic Abuse Prevention Initiative

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04 March 2022 | Updated 12 October 2022

The British Cleaning Council is now a member of the Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse and is encouraging other cleaning and hygiene employers to sign up.

The Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) is a network of large and small businesses which supports employers to address domestic violence prevention in the workplace.

Research shows that one in four women and one in six men will be affected by domestic abuse in their lifetime. EIDA helps to encourage a culture of disclosure of domestic violence within businesses.

“Victims may be going to work every day with colleagues who might be able to help if they were asked or if they knew what to look for."

–Jim Melvin

Chair, BCC 

Reducing the "Wall of Silence" on Domestic Abuse

EIDA’s core belief is that only through greater awareness, relationship building and the sharing of best practices can we all make a systematic change to the way domestic abuse is thought about and handled in the UK. They believe that every employer plays an important part in that.

When employers demonstrate that they are aware of domestic abuse and make staff aware of the services that are available, this can help to reduce the wall of silence about domestic abuse that prevents many from seeking help.

The BCC has joined over 950 other employers who are EIDA members, including household brands such as the BBC, Chelsea FC and John Lewis in signing up to EIDA.

What Does EIDA Offer Businesses?

EIDA memberships give employers the expertise and help needed to support employees in the right way, at the right time.

It encourages businesses to raise awareness among their employees about the signs of domestic abuse, support those facing domestic abuse and provide access to services to help perpetrators to stop.

It also shares lessons and resources on best practices with members, who can attend an annual conference and quarterly network meetings. Members can also influence policy nationwide, contributing to the national domestic abuse agenda through its policy work on the Domestic Abuse Bill.

Steps that employees can take include developing policies on domestic abuse, raising awareness amongst employees, training senior staff, managers and ambassadors on how to identify those who may need help, and offering direct help or signposting to where it can be found.

BCC Chair Jim Melvin said: “Domestic abuse is unfortunately all too common in today’s society and often the victims are too afraid to seek help or don’t know where to turn.

“In my own day-to-day business, we are also members of EIDA and have found it to be extremely beneficial.

“There are also many cultural differences and employers can play a key role in breaking down the wall of silence that prevents their staff from seeking help.

“Victims may be going to work every day with colleagues who might be able to help if they were asked or if they knew what to look for. 

“We want to play our part in raising awareness in our sector about this issue and we fully encourage other organisations in the cleaning and hygiene industry to support EIDA too.”

For more on EIDA, visit www.eida.org.uk

Picture: a photograph of a group of colleagues walking together outside, some are carrying coffee cups and it looks as if the group are in conversation. Image Credit: Pexels

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 04 March 2022

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