Lych domestic abuse leaflet april 2016

Are you followed to work by...

Domestic abuse?

Leeds & York Community Health

Dear UNISON Member I wanted to write a leaflet regarding domestic abuse. I hope you all find it useful. Domestic Abuse is an important issue that UNISON feels strongly about and is not tolerated by the Trust.

So what do we really know about domestic abuse? Anyone can be abused, man, woman, no matter what age, and from any walk of life. It is often seen as another one of those ‘taboo topics’ not to be discussed openly. Sadly victims may not even acknowledge to themselves let alone anyone else that they are been affected.

Domestic abuse doesn’t just impact on home life.

• 75% of domestic abuse victims are targeted at work.

• Abuse scarily escalates in pregnancy, 30% of women stated their abuse started when pregnant.

This is where UNISON can assist along with the Trust. Most of the time people need somebody to speak to in confidence, by talking about issues that are affecting you it really can open up doors to free yourself from unhappy times you maybe experiencing. UNISON will work together with the Trust to make sure any disclosed information is treated with seriously.

If you need to discuss any issues you maybe experiencing please contact me at j.jordan@unison.co.uk or call the branch on 0113 305 5168.

Jayne Jordan UNISON Local Organiser

Types of Abuse Did you know abuse can take many forms…

Warning Signs How can you tell if a colleague is being affected by domestic abuse?

Intimidation Warning signs can include: Are you intimidated by the looks, actions and gestures of another?

Do you have your belongings destroyed, or even your pets ill treated?

• Increased or unexplained absences

Emotional abuse

• Physical signs – unexplained bruises or injuries

Are you put down, and made to feel bad about yourself? Maybe you are called names, and are subject to mind games?

• Changes in behaviour and work performances

Isolation

• Becoming withdrawn from friends and colleagues

Do you have to account for your every move?

Does somebody use jealousy to justify their actions towards you?

Harassment Does someone check your phone or open your mail before you do?

Financial control Does someone you know dislike you working and earning your own money? Sometimes people work only to be told they can have an allowance from what they earn.

UNISON will support you along with the Trust. Various options can be explored depending on the circumstances. Please check with your employer with regard to any policies they may have. These options may include: • Arranging flexible work hours, so that an employee can seek protection, look for new housing, arrange childcare, or enter counselling.

• Temporary or permanent changes to your workplace

UNISON has its own Welfare Team. Grants and Funding are available to UNISON members. We also have our own debt line. Please contact them on 0800 389 3302 or check our website to see what benefits are available to you as a UNISON member – www.joinunison.org UNISON members also have access to Thompson’s Solicitors. You are entitled to free legal advice and support. They can be contacted on: landline 0800 0224 224 or from a mobile on 0330 123 1230.

• Work patterns and reducing the risk of your journeys to and from work UNISON will be there for you. We provide members with sensitive, non-judgmental support.

Help is at hand...

Contacts Information and emergency contact numbers: Victim Support 01924 369107 Turning Point 01924 211121 Intercept (Sexual Abuse) 01977 665712 Women’s Aid 01924 465238 Asian and Black Women’s Welfare Association

01484 304338

S.T.A.R. – Surviving Trauma After Rape

01924 298954

You can also contact your local UNISON Branch on 0113 305 5168 or at UNISON Resource Centre & Branch Office, St. Mary’s Hospital, Greenhill Road, Armley, Leeds LS12 3QE

Leeds & York Community Health