Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has introduced a package of support for people in its London office impacted by domestic abuse.

“I have been struck by the statistics of people experiencing domestic abuse through and prior to the pandemic,”  said Eifion Morris, Chief Executive, Stephenson Harwood. “But this isn’t just a lockdown problem; one in four women, and one in six men, will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. It’s important for survivors of domestic abuse to know that they’re are not alone and that help is available, which is why increased awareness and support in the workplace is vital.”

The package of emergency support available includes:

• Professional help: ensuring those who need it can access the appropriate frontline services and/or professional support.
• Temporary accommodation: providing emergency accommodation for up to one week.
• Paid leave: up to two weeks of paid leave provided, in recognition that there may be a need to be absent from work.
• A wellbeing plan: finding an appropriate flexible approach to work.

To support the policy, the firm has provided specialist training for members of its HR team in London, to enable them to spot and address signs of abuse, and support survivors.