Vodafone Ireland is to introduce a new workplace policy that to support employees who have experienced domestic violence or abuse.

Announced ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), Vodafone Ireland’s policy will see the firm provide supports such as several additional days of paid leave (up to 10 days), specialist counselling, management training and support toolkits to help employees subject to all forms of domestic abuse.

The policy also provides emergency financial aid such as salary advances and assistance for employees to set up a new bank account.

Specialist training provided to Vodafone managers will help them support people experiencing domestic violence or abuse, and encourage those affected to seek help.

Anne O’Leary (pictured), CEO of Vodafone Ireland, said that she was excited to introduce the domestic violence policy, which would provide “real supports and procedures” for affected employees.

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“With one-third of Irish workers experiencing domestic abuse and one in five Irish women affected by domestic violence, workplace supports for victims are of paramount importance,” O’Leary added.

Margaret Martin, director of Women’s Aid, welcomed the Vodafone Ireland initiative. “The Women’s Aid 24-hour national Freephone helpline responds to over 50 calls a day from women experiencing emotional, physical, sexual and financial abuse in their own homes and in their relationships,” she said.

“We know this is just the tip of the iceberg and believe that it is important that women are able to access really good support from support networks, health professionals and, critically, at work.

“The new Vodafone domestic violence policy is remarkably comprehensive and innovative, and we really encourage other employers in Ireland to follow [its] lead.”

While developing its policy, Vodafone Foundation commissioned a survey to assess the impact domestic violence and abuse has on a person’s career and work life. The survey was carried out across nine countries, including Ireland.

Of the 500 men and women who participated in Ireland, the survey found that:

• 31% had experienced some form of domestic abuse;
• Of those who experienced abuse during their working life, 63% felt safer at work compared to home and 67% said they could be themselves at work, but not at home;
• More than half said their performance at work was impacted due to tiredness (56%), nervousness (53%) and poor self-esteem (58%). Some 47% said they were too distracted to concentrate and 39% felt they couldn’t fulfil their full potential and/or were less productive.

Vodafone Ireland is planning to launch an app to connect victims of domestic violence or abuse to advice and support services in Ireland.

Vodafone Foundation worked with domestic violence and abuse expert Dr Jane Pillinger to develop a toolkit for HR managers. The telco is making this toolkit available to download online and it is free for other employers to adopt. Access it here.