The conference aims were to
- Educate and upskill on the topic of Domestic Abuse.
- Provide insights into the impact of Domestic Abuse in the workplace.
- Provide best practice for supporting employees.
- Explore practical approaches to foster a culture of safety and inclusion
- Highlight the unique challenges faced by victim-survivors living and working in rural communities.
Michelle Grosse, Project Officer for The Willow Project, said:
“We were overwhelmed by the response to the conference. The room was filled with people who were eager to learn, reflect, and take action. It was encouraging to see so many employers recognising that domestic abuse is not only a personal issue but also a workplace issue, and one where they can play a vital role in supporting those affected.”
“Delegates reported feeling better equipped and more confident to implement workplace practices that could help identify abuse, support survivors and potentially save lives.”
Emma Simpson, CEO of Rural Action Derbyshire, said:
“Domestic abuse is a staff wellbeing issue, an HR issue and a health and safety issue. But above all, it is about being a responsible employer.
Nobody expects managers to solve domestic abuse. What we should expect is for organisations to be prepared, so that when someone reaches out for help, they know how to respond safely, sensitively and with compassion, and where to turn for specialist support.”
Pics From The Day
Moments, conversations and connections from an impactful and inspiring day.
Survivors shared powerful and insightful testimonies, offering deeply moving lived experiences that left a lasting impact on everyone present.
Rhianon Bragg, when she asked what would happen if her perpetrator arrived after being released from prison, she was told she could enter a refuge.
“Really? Me, four children, 40 sheep, two horses, four dogs, five chickens and the rabbit?”
“This conference has opened our eyes to the scale of the issue.”
Deputy Police & Crime Commissioner, Dr Fatima Eltinay, delivered a powerful speech, with the takeaway being the need to consider who is not accessing support, whose voices are missing, and what barriers exist.
This approach encourages more inclusive decision-making and service delivery.
We also heard from Crossroads Derbyshire and The Elm Foundation, who shared valuable insights into their work helping survivors of domestic abuse find safety, rebuild their lives and access the support they need.
Their presentations highlighted the vital role of specialist services and reinforced the importance of collaboration between employers, charities, support organisations and statutory agencies to ensure survivors receive coordinated, compassionate and effective support.
“Participants reported that the conference had empowered them with practical tools and greater confidence to make changes that could help protect and support those experiencing domestic abuse.”
“I was proud to speak about the work we do at WORTH and to introduce our Red Chair Exhibition, created through our Expressive Arts Sessions.
It was lovely to be able to share a little of the creativity and voices of the women we support.”
Robyn Riggans, CEO of WORTH, attended the conference alongside members of her team. WORTH provides a safe, supportive space for women recovering from domestic abuse, where they can share experiences, find mutual support, develop new skills, build friendships and overcome isolation.
At the heart of their work is helping women rediscover their confidence, reclaim their voices and look towards the future with hope, supporting them on their journey of healing and rebuilding their lives after abuse.
We were very pleased to have been joined by Employers Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), an organisation that strives to ensure that every employer is taking effective action on Domestic Abuse.
They have a wide range of materials that can be used to support employers, large and small, in developing Domestic Abuse policies and staff training materials. This is what they had to say about the day:
“Domestic abuse can look very different in rural communities. This week, EIDA was pleased to be part of the Rural Domestic Abuse and the Workplace Conference, exploring the particular challenges faced by victim-survivors living and working in rural areas.
One striking statistic shared at the conference was that rural domestic abuse can last 25% longer, with victim-survivors half as likely to report it compared with those in urban areas. Barriers include geographical isolation and distance, reduced access to specialist services, limited housing options, lack of anonymity in close-knit communities, transport barriers, and poorer digital connectivity.
An important reminder for employers: rural workers don’t necessarily work for rural businesses. Wherever your organisation is based, understanding the circumstances of your workforce matters. For someone experiencing domestic abuse, work may be one of the few places where they can safely access a phone, speak to someone privately or ask for help.
Does your company have a workplace domestic abuse response? Is it accessible to employees living in rural communities?
Thank you to everyone involved in such an important day of learning and discussion.”
