Rebecca Harris MP is one of the 500 employer members of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA) from the public and private sectors – providing access to more than 5 million employees. Employer members include the House of Commons, the Institute of Directors, the Home Office, and the Ministry of Defence.
Working together and learning from best practice among global business leaders, members of the Employers’ Initiative network have developed new approaches to domestic abuse that supports the people affected, helps stop perpetrators and creates a better business environment for all. By helping companies develop good internal policies, and through awareness campaigns, EIDA is tackling the stigma surrounding domestic abuse, and making it easier for employees to seek out the best support available.
Rebecca Harris MP encourages other employers to join EIDA. You can register free of charge at: https://www.eida.org.uk/become-a-member. The initiative offers a range of services including signposting, expertise, a toolkit and training videos, all of which could make a significant difference in supporting a victim of domestic abuse.
This is part of a wider range of Government measures to help Domestic Abuse victims during pandemic and beyond. The Government have announced a £40 million funding boost for specialist support services that work with victims of rape and sexual abuse, ensuring the most vulnerable in society get the protection they need through this pandemic. This builds on the unprecedented £76 million to support victims since the start of the pandemic, will ensure the vulnerable in society get all the support they need through this difficult time.
For many victims, this pandemic has been an inescapable nightmare in which they often feel trapped and at greater risk of harm – no victim should be left to suffer alone. That is why the Government are delivering an extra £40 million to support organisations to recruit more staff, keep helplines open for longer and adapt to remote counselling where necessary – ensuring help remains available for those who need it.
For any more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/extra-40m-to-help-victims-during-pandemic-and-beyond.
The Government also is updating the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and has launched a nationwide Call for Evidence in order to ensure that those who have lived experiences of abuse and violence, and the views of members of the public are at the heart of plans to stop these harmful crimes. The Call to Evidence runs until February 19.
The Government has already taken a number of important steps in this area, including strengthening the law on crimes such as stalking, forced marriage and female genital mutilation, but there is more to do. There have already been many responses, shining a sobering light on the prevalence of gender-based violence in our society. But this information is also absolutely invaluable in shaping the most effective policy to fight the scourge of Violence Against Women and Girls.
That is why Rebecca Harris MP is urging those who have experiences or views to come forward in the final few weeks of the government’s Call for Evidence, and to take part in the anonymous survey. You can participate in the call for evidence by completing the public survey.
