TORRIDGE District Council has become the first council in Devon to sign up to GMB’s ‘Work to Stop Domestic Abuse’ employer charter.

The authority rubber-stamped the deal on October 17 at a meeting with GMB officials, committing to offering up to ten days paid leave to employees facing domestic violence or displaying abusive behaviours, to support them in seeking the appropriate help. 

More than 270 staff will now be protected by the charter. 

The charter calls on employers to support employees experiencing domestic abuse to ensure they will not be disadvantaged at work, will be supported with access to services and information and that all employers train staff to be able to appropriately and confidently support staff. 

Data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) for the year ending March 2018, showed an estimated 2-million adults aged 16 to 59 years experienced domestic abuse in the last year — 1.3-million women, 695,000 men. 

Cllr Anna Dart, leader of Torridge District Council, said: “We are delighted that we are the first council in Devon to sign up to this charter. To me, this is a ‘no brainer’ to offer support to this largely hidden problem. It’s a message that we don’t want people to suffer in silence, and that we want to help.”

Helen Coley, GMB officer, said: “We are pleased to see Torridge District Council lead the way in Devon, as the first local authority in the county to sign the GMB’s work to stop domestic abuse charter. This commitment, including paid time off, is crucial to make the workplace a safe environment for those fleeing domestic abuse and ensuring vital support is available whenever it is needed.”

Matt Roberts GMB south west political officer said: “By signing the charter, as an employer, they are sending a strong message to Torridge staff: If you experience domestic abuse you will be believed, supported and, importantly, not discriminated against because of it in the workplace.”