Free webinar to help businesses recognise signs of domestic abuse in the workplace

WHAG logo

Rochdale charity WHAG is inviting the public to join a free webinar on Wednesday 14 October, running from 3pm – 4pm, which will help businesses to recognise signs of domestic abuse in the workplace.

Based on Drake Street, WHAG (formerly Women’s Housing Action Group), was founded in 1981. The organisation aims to provide affordable housing to homeless women aged 16-65, and runs domestic abuse services across Rochdale, Bury, Cheshire West and Chester.

At first glance, the virus that has recently swept the world may appear to have little in common with domestic abuse, but the UN has described the worldwide increase in domestic abuse as a ‘shadow pandemic’ alongside Covid-19.

Over 40,000 calls and contacts were made to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline during the first three months of lockdown, 80% more than usual. With the latest government announcement asking people to work at home once again, charities are concerned that this heightened potential for increased domestic abuse is not going away soon.

A spokesperson for WHAG said: “Domestic abuse is having a negative impact on the morale, productivity, and performance of workplace teams across our county. The majority of domestic abuse happens behind closed doors and the impact on the workplace is far too frequently ignored.

"We at WHAG are on a mission to help business colleagues address this by taking a stand against domestic abuse. We are holding this webinar to give you the tools to help identify the warning signs that might suggest your colleague is experiencing domestic abuse.

"This vital learning will be hosted by our CEO Kirsty Rhodes and expert staff, where you will have the chance to learn and ask questions on this vitally important topic.”

If you would like to find out more information ahead of the webinar, please contact katalin.felso@whag.info

The webinar, which will be hosted online from 3pm - 4pm on Wednesday 14 October, is an opportunity for participants to find out about the vital work WHAG does in the local community to support and empower people subject to domestic abuse, and also engage with those who are rising to these challenges in domestic abuse every day.

For more information about the webinar and to book your free place, visit:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/events/66040/whag-webinar-how-to-recognise-signs-of-domestic-abuse-in-the-workplace

If you want to support WHAG with a donation, please visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/whag2020