So far a number of employers have signed the charter and supporting workers experiencing domestic abuse, with many more employers coming forward to sign in the next few months – watch this space!
Being part of this campaign has made me feel so empowered, given me confidence but more importantly has shown me that I'm not alone. Domestic abuse be incredibly isolating and make you feel that you have nowhere to turn to.
My union uplifted me in so many ways. I was hopeless and on the verge of giving up but with the GMB taking me under their wing, not judging me, but instead being understanding and empathetic, made a such a significant difference for me. My confidence was restored and has now enabled me to support my members as a rep, even better.
I am now not afraid to share my story. I'm not embarrassed by it, but in fact grateful for the knowledge I gained through that horrific experience - because without it I wouldn't be able help others. My experience has given me the empathy, understanding and knowledge of how to support members who experience this and to campaign to stop domestic abuse for good.
More recently, I supported a member who, due to experiencing violence from their manager, became suicidal, felt they had no way out. After being able to support them and share parts of my story, the member told me, that I had actually saved their life and that they now had a sense of hope. That's the difference’s that being part of a union makes to so many members lives.
Workers experiencing domestic abuse need to know that they will be believed and supported by their employer and that’s what the GMB work to Stop Domestic Abuse employer charter sets out to do. I’m so proud to be a part of it and to have used my voice and experience to make a difference.
Charlaine Nkum, GMB Activist, Southern Region
For more information on GMB’s Work to Stop Domestic Abuse Employer Charter and policy please click here