Barratt Homes Donation Helps Improve Domestic Abuse Support

By Make a Difference
20 July 2021

A donation by one of the UK’s leading housing developers will enable small employers across the region to benefit from free support for tackling Domestic Abuse in the workplace.

The Haven Wolverhampton has received a cheque for £5,000 from Barratt Developments PLC, which has pledged to support the charity’s Purple Pledge campaign. This is aimed at helping businesses across the West Midlands area of the UK to become zero tolerance workplaces for Domestic Abuse.

Locked down and trapped

The first lockdown in March last year precipitated a surge in calls for domestic abuse services, with Refuge reporting an 80% increase in calls to their domestic abuse hotline. In his open letter to employers in January 2021, the UK’s Business Minister Paul Scully MP highlighted a report published by his department. This found that few employers are aware of the signs of domestic abuse, and an even smaller number have a clear policy in place to support survivors.

In light of this, he urged employers to look at what more their organisation can do to help survivors of domestic abuse.

Cash injection

The funds from this donation by Barratt Developments plc will help The Haven Wolverhampton charity continue to raise awareness, provide free training for employers and staff to become Domestic Abuse Workplace Champions, and provide free HR policies to businesses employing fewer than 10 people.

Pamilerin Beckley, Architect of Stories at The Haven Wolverhampton, explained: “In April we launched our Purple Pledge campaign, to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse, highlight the lack of existing policies in place at many organisations, and help improve the level of support employers can provide to staff who may be experiencing Domestic Abuse. We approached Barratt Developments PLC as one of the leading employers in the region, and we have been blown away by their response and generosity”.

“This will go such a long way in helping us to reach more organisations of all shapes and sizes, to offer training and support so that employers can spot the early signs and provide signposting services, as well as to help support organisations in putting policies in place. We cannot thank the team enough for their generosity, which will go far in helping someone experiencing Domestic Abuse to access the services they need.”

Dominic Harman Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson Mercia added: “When we heard about The Haven’s Purple Pledge, we fully recognised what a huge impact it could have on the lives of many employees across the region. It opened our minds to understand that many organisations don’t have the means or knowledge to support their staff with Domestic Abuse matters, and we’re pleased that the funds will help to provide free training and support across the West Midlands.”

A call to action

Around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men will be stalked during their lifetime (²), with many abusers often attempting to harass, stalk, injure, or threaten their victims at their workplace.

The Haven is encouraging businesses across the region to sign up to The Purple Pledge, with every organisation to do so receiving a logo to use. This will let customers and suppliers know they are a Purple Pledge company that is dedicated to supporting their employees. The charity has also provided a ‘toolkit’ including various resources to help managers recognise, respond, and refer employees to dedicated means of support, in addition to access to various training packages.

The Haven Wolverhampton is a charity providing a range of services to individuals suffering from Domestic Abuse, homelessness, people trafficking and modern slavery, FGM, forced marriage, and sexual assault. For more information, please visit www.havenrefuge.org.uk. For free practical and emotional support, the 24/7 helpline is available on 08000 194400.