AXA UK launches new fund to support employees impacted by domestic abuse

AXA UK has launched a domestic-abuse support fund to provide employees who are experiencing domestic abuse with financial assistance to help them get out of an abusive situation.

The fund provides a one-time payment, aimed at helping with urgent needs, such as securing safe accommodation, as well as transport and food costs. It is a further enhancement to the insurer’s existing package of domestic-abuse support for employees.

Employees or their line managers can confidentially request support by contacting AXA UK’s ‘trusted contacts’, a dedicated in-house team created to support victims of domestic abuse.

The HR team, working alongside the trusted contacts, will review requests discreetly and arrange for payment directly through payroll. If additional information is needed, such as alternative bank details, the firm’s people-services team will make direct contact with the employee to ensure privacy and support.

AXA UK’s commitment to raising awareness and improving access to vital support is for the benefit of both employees and customers. The former can take five days’ paid leave for appointments or arrangements related to domestic abuse and access the support of a dedicated, in-house, trained team.

The insurer has also launched ‘AXA Safe Spaces’, a training programme designed to teach its workforce how to recognise, respond to and refer victims of domestic and sexual violence. This initiative is also public and available for other companies to use.

Additionally, AXA UK is working with Women’s Aid and Smart Works to help customers who are experiencing domestic abuse to access vital support services from both charities.

In January, the insurer launched its nationwide ‘what they say, what we hear’ advertising campaign to help more people understand the hidden language of financial abuse and to know that support is available. It also works with We Thrive, an organisation that provides assistance to survivors of domestic abuse to get back into employment.

Amanda Vaughan, chief people officer, AXA UK & Ireland said: “We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, both inside and outside the workplace.

"The new domestic-abuse support fund is another meaningful step in providing tangible help to colleagues facing difficult circumstances. Our goal is to shape a culture focused on care, where survivors feel empowered to ask for help without any fear or judgement.”

www.axa.co.uk 

Pictured: Amanda Vaughan