UNISON Ulearn Northern Ireland

A course on understanding the impact of domestic violence on staff will be held on Monday October 8th in the our Belfast office from 10am - 1pm. This course will look at how work place policies can support members through a very difficult time.

UNISON is working with organisations such as Women’s Aid to raise awareness about this issue, to offer support to those experiencing domestic abuse and to raise the issue with employers. Our work to date has primarily focused on negotiating workplace policies to support UNISON members experiencing domestic violence.

Why is domestic violence an issue for UNISON? UNISON members work as part of a health care team and are therefore often in a unique position to identify victims of domestic violence and/or directly work with victims of domestic violence.

Members working in accident and emergency departments, community nursing and GP practices are likely to encounter patients experiencing domestic violence. UNISON members therefore need the support of a comprehensive workplace policy and procedure that addresses health and safety concerns.

Many UNISON members will also experience domestic violence and this is likely to affect work performance and future prospects. Good workplace policies and procedures that support and assist UNISON members experiencing domestic violence are an essential way of demonstrating that employers take their responsibility for the well-being of their employees seriously.

If you are interested in coming along to this course, please contact Norma Neal by email n.neal@unison.co.uk at 028 90270150