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ITV News at Ten presenter Julie Etchingham will not only read the news but make it as well when she comes to Gloucester next week (Tuesday 16 June).

The former BBC and Sky News journalist is Patron of the Hollie Gazzard Trust and will be among the speakers at a conference to raise awareness of domestic abuse and stalking in the workplace, and the obligations of employers to safeguard individuals from harm.

Julie Etchingham

The murder of Gloucester hairdresser Hollie Gazzard, 20, along with similar crimes elsewhere, has thrust the issue of domestic abuse into the spotlight as never before. The event is free and is called ‘Behind closed doors’ because domestic abuse has sadly been viewed as a taboo topic for too long.

Hollie’s father Nick Gazzard, chairman of the charity named after his daughter, said:

“58% of domestic homicides happen in the workplace so it’s important employers are made aware of their responsibilities. Some of Hollie’s colleagues knew she was in an abusive relationship but didn’t know what to do or who to tell.

“In fact, it’s highly likely that all workplaces have staff that have or are experiencing abuse as well as those who are perpetrators so developing an effective policy in the workplace is essential.”

 

Hollie Gazzard

Research shows that as many as 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime and 1 in 6 men.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire Martin Surl, who is funding the event, said:

 “Domestic abuse can impact negatively on an employee’s health and wellbeing. It can also have an effect on staff morale as well as organisational image and reputation.

“Employers have obligations in respect of their employees’ health and wellbeing and in law under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. I want to stress that we have a zero tolerance approach to domestic abuse here in Gloucestershire and that all the agencies are committed to a strategy to stand up against it.

“Part of this involves identifying risks earlier and supporting organisations to identify the signs of domestic abuse and support victims coming forward. I expect businesses to stand alongside us in this strategy – it is everyone’s responsibility to keep people safe.”

It’s estimated that in England and Wales domestic abuse costs £1.9billion a year in lost economic output, due to decreased productivity, administration difficulties from unplanned time off, lost wages and sick pay.

Among the questions posed at the event will be – Would you know the signs? What are your legal obligations? For further information www.holliegazzard.org

Victims in need of support can find more information, advice and support services on www.glostakeastand.com

  • Behind Closed Doors is on Tuesday 16 June at Hatherley Manor Hotel, Down Hatherley, starting at 12.30pm.
  • Other speakers include Nick Gazzard, chairman of the Hollie Gazzard Trust; Assistant Chief Constable of Gloucestershire Police Richard Berry; criminal behaviourist Laura Richards and Women’s Aid chief executive Polly Neate
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