The battle against domestic violence in the community and the workplace got a boost today with the launch of the Safety Net Train the Trainer initiative.
On May 25th businesses will be able take part in a conversation with experts that will help give employers and employees the tools to make a difference in the lives of people affected by domestic violence.
Kathleen Jodouin, who is part of the Domestic Violence Coordination Committee of Nipissing says this is not a new program but one created back in 2005 which they are trying to revamp with a whole new website, business sticker campaign, along with the Train the Trainer seminar which will take place at the Clarion Pinewood Park at 9 a.m. on the 25th of this month.
“Domestic Violence is in every aspect of our community, it’s not just behind closed doors of the house, and in the workplace it’s easy for an abuser to find their victim in the workplace,” said Jodouin.
“They know when they have to be there and where they have to be, and they can control, stalk, harm employees and really put everybody’s life in danger.”
On the local level, North Bay Police responded to 1,256 domestic related calls resulting in 273 people being charged for domestic related offences last year alone.
“We know that Northern employers place a high value on employee wellness and safety, and we’re thrilled with the interest this event has already generated” said Jodouin.
Despite the size of the company, Ontario Northland is one organization that is going to take advantage of this program.
“It’s obviously never easy to reach all employees. We have employees out on the rail track, out in the middle of the bush, so we have to create the right materials that will allow us to get to all those employees, so it won’t be an overnight thing,” said ONR President and CEO Corina Moore.
“It should be part of the conversation we have. We’ve been putting together some programs on human rights and respect for workplace that we think are very important and this is an extension to that conversation.”
Organizers believe the Train the Trainer event will educate our community’s business leaders on how to spot the signs of abuse, and give them and their employees the tools and tactics to support each other in a healthy workplace environment.
They hope the program creates awareness, reduces stigma and spreads the message that Safety Net is not only good for business, but good for the our whole community.
