Down District Council’s Ellen Brennan (PCSP Officer) and Phillip Preen (Assistant Director, Corporate Services (Human Resources)) pictured with Council Chairman, Cllr Billy Walker after receiving the ‘Safe Employer’ bronze award at the recent Onus Awards Ceremony in Belfast City Hall.[/caption]
At the recent Onus 5th Annual Awards Ceremony in Belfast City Hall Councillor William Walker, Chairman of Down District Council was presented with the Safe Employer Bronze Award.
To be recognised as a Bronze Award organisation the Council has adopted the ONUS Workplace Charter on Domestic Violence.
The Safe Place Initiative was introduced to give victims of domestic abuse ‘SAFE’ places where they could be shopping or visiting a public building unaccompanied by the perpetrator of their violence and access signposting to appropriate services and agencies that could help.
Accepting the Award on behalf of the Council, Cllr Walker said: “I am delighted that Down District Council has achieved a Bronze Award which means that we as an organisation support the Safe Place Campaign Pledge: never to commit, condone or stay silent about Domestic Violence.
“It is shocking to realise that an estimated 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men will experience abuse at some stage during their lifetime and I would encourage organisations/businessesand schools within the District to follow our example and sign up to the Safe Place initiative.”
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