25 November 2021
Gabby Lawler, Branch Secretary is writing to raise awareness to White Ribbon Day – the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women
From 25 November, until Human Rights Day on 10th December, is the 16 Days of Action. During this time, Havering UNISON are ask everyone to stand up and recognise that there should be an end violence against women.
Whilst we recognise that violence occurs towards men too, Domestic Abuse is statistically a gender-based crime. There are some 2.3 million victims of domestic abuse a year aged 16 to 74 (two-thirds of whom are women) and more than one in ten of all offences recorded by the police are domestic abuse related. These are only the cases that we know about. Domestic abuse is often a crime that is under reported because victims fear reprisal should they reach out for support.
In April, the government passed a piece of legislation known as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The government describes domestic abuse as a ‘cruel and complex crime that can affect anyone’. The government committed to transform their response to domestic abuse with the introduction of the new act.
As the Domestic Violence Bill moved through parliament to become law, UNISON won a key amendment to ensure that domestic abuse protection orders (DAPO’s) were applied to the workplace this is positive steps to keep victims safe in the workplace.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 will take time to embed over the next few years. Some measures will be integrated automatically and other measures will commence as pilots. The government have produced as commencement schedule of all the changes that are to come or those that have already commenced. Click https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-act-2021-commencement-schedule/domestic-abuse-act-2021-commencement-schedule for a more detailed look.
Havering UNISON’s Branch Chair Sarah Strang has worked diligently to raise awareness of domestic abuse in her substantive role by updating and delivering online training, building relationships across the local authority to help improve the response to domestic abuse. Sarah will also be delivering a webinar on 2nd December 2021 and welcomes any Unison members to attend the event.
To book a space for the Webinar please email sarah.strang@havering.gov.uk to secure a slot by 30 November 2021.
It often lies on the victim to find the strength to flee their abusive relationship or some feel they have no choice but to remain trapped in a toxic relationship.
UNISON collectively negotiated on Havering’s Domestic Violence policy in 2020 which see positive improvements for staff who need to access this policy. This policy will be reviewed as the new legislation amendments are implemented.
As a unison member if you want help, support, guidance or signposting please get in touch with the Branch on 01708 433434 or email unison@havering.gov.uk
Havering Council has a number of support agencies that can support Havering residents that are victims of DV, these are:
Havering Women’s Aid – 01708 728 759
MENDAS (male victims) – 01708 397 974
Solace – 0808 802 5565
Havering IDVA service – havering.IDVA@havering.gov.uk
There are also national help lines for anyone to be able to access:
National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0800 2000 247
Men’s advice line – 0808 8010327
National stalking help line – 0808 802 0300
Please follow the link the Havering website that will be able to inform you of more support agencies that mat be able to support you or someone you know: https://www.havering.gov.uk/info/20096/community/550/domestic_violence
Please remember domestic abuse is everyone’s business and we all have to come together to report this crime and support our members, colleagues, neighbours, friends, family or maybe even yourself.
