• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Wednesday March 18 2020

New scheme launched to help Swindon firms tackle domestic abuse

Employees at some of Swindon’s biggest firms are to be trained in helping victims of domestic abuse in their workplaces.

Ambassadors from companies including GWR, Network Rail, UKRI, Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police, OMG Hair & Beauty, Business West, Wilts & Dorset Fire and Rescue, Royds Withy King, and Zurich will be paired with support workers from Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, formerly Swindon Women’s Aid.

The launch heard that addressing welfare issues like domestic abuse can reduce overall staff sickness levels and improve employee motivation and productivity.

The corporate ambassador scheme was launched recently at STEAM Museum in Swindon.

The event heard from Tracy Graham, who suffered mental and physical abuse at the hands of an ex-partner, before seeking and receiving support from Women’s Aid.

A video of Tracy’s story has been produced by Swindon-based Ottr Works and can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_jXzMxBIlg

Any employer can be part of the scheme. For further information visit https://swadomesticabuse.org/get-involved/ambassador-programme/

Pictured: Pradeep Bhardwaj, Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service CEO Emma Rawlings, Swindon Council leader David Renard, Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service chairman of trustees Nicky Alberry, and Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson