This is an event for Employers to discuss how to support employees who have or are experiencing domestic abuse

Event Date

09/12/2026

Time

1pm-5pm

Description

Bournemouth University is working in partnership with BCP Council to deliver a dedicated event for employers as part of the UK’s 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Girls.

Employers have a crucial role to play in creating safe, supportive workplaces for individuals experiencing intimate partner violence and domestic abuse This in-person event will provide local employers with practical guidance, evidence-informed insights, and resources to help them identify, support, and respond appropriately to employees who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Through shared learning and discussion, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of abuse in the workplace and explore effective, compassionate approaches to creating safe and supportive working environments.

It is designed to equip local employers, managers, HR professionals and workplace wellbeing leads with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools needed to recognise, respond to and support employees affected by abuse.

Bringing together experts from safeguarding, local government, higher education, charities and support services, the event will explore the impact of domestic abuse on the workplace, employers' responsibilities, and the benefits of implementing trauma-informed and compassionate approaches to support.

The programme will include presentations on current research relating to professionals experiencing domestic abuse, employer responsibilities, and examples of effective workplace support. Delegates will also learn about local initiatives, including the Unity Promise, practical tools for recognising warning signs, and resources designed to help organisations develop safer and more supportive working environments.

A dedicated networking session will provide opportunities for attendees to connect with specialist charities, support services and community organisations, fostering partnerships that can strengthen workplace responses to domestic abuse.

The event will conclude with a showcase of practical resources, including a toolkit for employers and the Safe Spaces initiative, helping organisations translate learning into meaningful action.

This is an invaluable opportunity for employers to build confidence, share best practice, and strengthen their commitment to employee wellbeing and safety.

Key Themes:

Understanding intimate partner violence and abuse in the workplace

The impact of domestic abuse on employees and organisations

Employer responsibilities and best practice

Trauma-informed approaches to support

Recognising red flags and responding appropriately

Building supportive workplace cultures

Practical resources, toolkits and local support networks

By working together, employers can play a vital role in identifying abuse, supporting affected employees, and creating workplaces where people feel safe, valued and able to thrive.

For more information please contact loliver@bournemouth.ac.uk.

Bournemouth University’s Online Event Terms and Conditions (https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/Bournemouth%20Universitys%20Graduation%20Ticketing%20Terms%20and%20Conditions.pdf)

Photos may be taken at the event. If you do not want to appear in any photos, please notify a member of staff at the event. For further information on the use of photos and videos, please refer to our privacy policy (https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/about/governance/access-information/data-protection-privacy/taking-using-personal-images-bu)

At BU we are committed to ensuring that all our events provide a positive, inclusive, and respectful experience for everyone. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment, including sexual harassment or misconduct, by any attendee, vendor, or third party.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every participant feels valued, respected, and safe. Harassment in any form—whether verbal, physical, or visual—will not be tolerated. This includes inappropriate comments, gestures, physical advances, or sharing explicit content that violates someone's dignity or creates an offensive atmosphere.

If you witness or experience any form of harassment during our event, please report it immediately to event organisers. All reports will be handled confidentially, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all attendees. Reports can also be made anonymously online (https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fforms.bournemouth.ac.uk%2FReportingCrimes&data=05%7C02%7Cmsanderson%40bournemouth.ac.uk%7Cbd03285e32e54d80cea008de21e2fc51%7Cede29655d09742e4bbb5f38d427fbfb8%7C0%7C0%7C638985455936542535%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=e5CCs%2BzpSlo9tKvn7Msj5Fe8gV6VyJ35DB7o

Description supplied by the event organiser.