This article is from page 6 of the 2011-03-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 6 JPG
RECOGNISE, Respond, Refer. That was the message delivered to employers who have been urged to be proactive in dealing with domestic abuse issues in Clare.
The manager of Clare Haven which provides support for female victims of domestic abuse and their families – Denise Dunne told a conference last week that employers should ask the question: “Are things okay at home?” Speaking at the launch of the employer’s guidelines on domestic abuse in Limerick, Ms Dunne said it can be very difficult for a woman to disclose abuse.
“Employees may not disclose what they are experiencing at once and should be made aware that the manager is available to talk at any time in the future,” said Ms Dunne.
The guidelines were launched amid demand for support provided by Clare Haven rising significantly.
Last year, more than 300 people were housed at a refuge for victims of domestic abuse in Clare, while hundreds of distressed victims of abuse sought help. Requests for support among those suffering domestic abuse increased across the county, particularly in Shannon, where additional support has been provided, in response to demand.
Gerry Harahill, Collector General, who launched the brochure, welcomed the brief reference guide as a support to all employers including small employers and those with human resource managers and line managers. Mr Harahill told the conference that attitudes in society have to change. He suggested that eve- ryone could do something towards opening up the topic by taking away copies of the guidelines and passing them out in their place of work.
“It is often the person who goes to coffee with the woman who finds out first,” he said.
Kieran McSweeney, President of Limerick Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the need for such guidelines from an employer’s point of view. In an increasingly competitive economy and tight labour market, every cost needs to be identified. It was emphasised that the effects of domestic abuse on employees may not only have a significant financial impact on the employer, but may also result in high absenteeism and impact directly on work performance.
Mr McSweeney reminded the audience that research shows that one in five women experience domestic abuse. “This is huge,” he said, adding that the issue is very much a hidden and silent force in Irish society.
Copies of the Employer’s Guidelines on Domestic Abuse are available from Clare Haven Services in Ennis, telephone 065 6822435.