Continuing its series of initiatives to help bring an end to domestic abuse, the technology giant challenged 78 staff teams to walk one million steps to raise funds for the deserving charities.
The company also trained a team of mental health first aiders, HR staff and managers to support employees experiencing abuse. Delivered by Women’s Aid, this covered the tools and best practices needed to help someone in an abusive situation.
Application Developer Veronica Owens, who is also an artist, also launched a series of art classes to provide a fun and relaxing creative outlet for those seeking refuge.
As the lead voluntary organisation addressing domestic and sexual violence in Northern Ireland, Women’s Aid believes abuse against women is a direct result of their unequal position in society, including the workplace.
The Men’s Advisory Project supports men who have left a violent or abusive relationship and offers anger management training for both men and women.
Since 2005, The Allstate Foundation has invested more than $85 million to end domestic abuse through financial empowerment. The Foundation empowers victims with the tools to achieve financial independence and a life free from abuse and educates young people on the elements of healthy relationships to help stop abuse before it starts.
Managing Director of Allstate NI John Healy said: “domestic abuse sadly affects far too many in Northern Ireland. Through our work with Women’s Aid and the Men’s Advisory Project, we recognise the need for services that work to both stop domestic abuse while providing support for those who need it. I am proud to see employees applying their professional and personal skills to support fellow employees at risk.”
CEO of Women’s Aid Federation NI Sarah Mason said: “At Women’s Aid, we believe that integrating the corporate world into our fight is a vital step forward in ending domestic abuse. Partnering with Allstate has brought a wealth of new expertise and ideas to our advocacy, and we are thrilled to see so many initiatives up and running.”
Men’s Advisory Project Coordinator Rhonda Lusty said: “Of the domestic abuse crime known to the PSNI last year, 31 percent was directed towards men. Ending domestic abuse for all in society should be a goal for all, and I firmly believe that raising awareness across the corporate world will help us achieve this.”
