News

W3 Applications is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for the Domestic Abuse Awareness in the Workplace Now (DAAWN) project, developed in partnership with Practical HR and Essex Chambers of Commerce.

The DAAWN project is a county-wide initiative designed to help small and medium-sized businesses raise awareness of domestic abuse among employees and provide practical resources to support those who may be affected.

Funded by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex, in partnership with Essex Police, Essex Chambers of Commerce and Practical HR Ltd, the project aims to engage with the business community and equip organisations with accessible, effective awareness materials.

A pilot phase held in 2022 saw 33 SMEs take part, with awareness information made available to 2,498 employees. Resources included short awareness videos for business leaders, managers and employees, as well as written guidance covering policies, signposting to specialist agencies and information on healthy relationships.

Following the success of the pilot, the project is now being extended to SMEs across Essex, funded through the PFCC’s Victims’ Fund. Participating businesses can access match funding to help implement and communicate domestic abuse awareness information within their organisation.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:
“Protecting vulnerable people and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse is one of our policing priorities to get crime down in Essex. I’m pleased to be supporting the DAAWN project which will help raise awareness of domestic abuse and allow people to get help at an early stage.”

Denise Rossiter, CEO of Essex Chambers of Commerce, said:
“Domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals and families. The workplace can be a safe place and provides an incredible opportunity to raise awareness to help people get the support they need. There is also a payback for businesses, as providing awareness and support can lead to staff retention, reduced absence, improved performance and overall engagement. The awareness information can be included in any wider wellbeing support provided by organisations to their employees.”

Paula Fisher, Managing Director of Practical HR, said:
“A lot has been achieved in recent years around wellbeing that allows people to speak more openly. We want to achieve this with domestic abuse so we can remove the stigma and open up conversations so that individuals do not have to suffer in silence.”

The new website for the project is available at https://daawn.info/.

Businesses interested in getting involved can contact Essex Chambers of Commerce and Industry Ltd for further information.