Employment

Violence against women (VAW) can affect all aspects of our lives, both in terms of lived experience and in the wider culture we inhabit. Violence against women is by its very nature and prevalence present in our everyday lives. With the average person spending a third of their time at work, it affects our workplaces as well. For those experiencing violence in particular, we know that the effects of abuse and violence can jeopardise a person’s ability to maintain employment and productivity, and that this in turn can affect women's resources and access to support.

On the other hand, employers who promote a healthy and supportive workplace will retain talented staff, avoid litigation and lead a more productive team.

In our 2017 research, 'Sexism is a Waste', over 70% of respondents described experiencing or witnessing sexual innuendo or harassment at their work. However, only 26% of those with managerial responsibilities reported confidence in taking the necessary next steps, with 17% either unsure or completely uncertain about what the next steps were.

The report showed a real need to support employers to develop a strong violence against women policy at their workplaces. This is why Zero Tolerance has created a toolkit to help employers ensure that their employees feel safe and supported and that their workplace challenges the attitudes that underpin violence.

You can download the three part toolkit https://www.zerotolerance.org.uk/work-workplace:

Part 1 explains why preventing violence against women should be a major concern for employers.
Part 2 lays out how employers can make their workplaces better, safer and more equal for all.
Part 3 compiles further information and resources that employers may find helpful.

Download our resources...

Please see https://www.zerotolerance.org.uk/work-workplace.