I recently discovered CEASE, a network of Belgian employers committed to combating domestic violence. This is something new that I've never seen elsewhere:
Notably, as part of the membership of this network, a training course dedicated to private or public companies, it doesn't matter, is offered by the ASBL Pour la solidarité-(PLS). So I went to talk to them to find out more about what it's all about.
State of play
The sad fact is that one in three women in Belgium say they have suffered violence at the hands of an intimate partner in their lifetime. ‘It is therefore highly likely that every employer has been, is, or will be confronted with an employee who is a victim of this type of violence’, says the coordinator of the CEASE network, who works at Pour la solidarité-PLS. According to research, the cost of domestic violence in Europe is estimated at 175 billion euros.
At the same time, by ratifying the Istanbul Convention in 2016, Belgium has committed itself to eliminating violence against women and to mobilising as many players as possible in this fight. Companies are key players in this fight, and their involvement needs to be stepped up. This can also be part of the corporate responsibility policy, which is another obligation.
Who is the Pour la solidarité-PLS association?
Founded by Belgian economist Denis Stokkink in 2002, PLS is an independent European think & do tank committed to a Europe of solidarity and sustainability.
PLS works to defend and consolidate the European social model, a subtle balance between economic development and social justice. Its multicultural and multidisciplinary team works in the public arena alongside all the socio-economic players, under the motto: Understand, Connect and Support in order to Act. In practice, PLS works on 5 themes: diversity, transition, citizen participation, social economy and sustainable development.
How was project born?
Initially co-funded by the European Commission's Rights, Equality and Citizenship programme and coordinated by the FACE Foundation (in partnership with CSR Hellas, Pour la Solidarité & DIESIS), the CEASE Europe network aimed to add another frontline in the fight against violence, by mobilising businesses and employers in this battle.
Today, thanks to the support of Equal Brussels, Pour la Solidarite-PLS is leading the CEASE network in Belgium.
CEASE : le réseau belge des employeur.se.s engagé.e.s contre les violences conjugales | Pour la Solidarité (pourlasolidarite.eu)
The network's objectives:
- A communication and promotion campaign for the CEASE network, the companies that are already members and their achievements, in order to attract new members.
- Training (in a hybrid format adapted to individual needs: face-to-face/teleconference) for the staff of member companies.
- An in-house awareness-raising toolbox of brochures, posters and flyers to inform all staff about the company's commitment.
- Various events to ensure a dynamic network and participative exchanges.
What does this training include?
Through training courses, the ASBL equips company staff to deal with, guide and support the people concerned within their company.
The ASBL offers awareness-raising for company staff, as well as ongoing training for managers, human resources and support staff in detecting situations of domestic violence and providing guidance to those concerned.
What are the appropriate reflexes when faced with a very complicated problem?
‘We teach employers not to feel guilty or clumsy, and to develop appropriate reflexes when faced with a very complicated issue,’ explained Françoise Kemajou, head of PLS.
1. First of all, you mustn't rush into things, you have to be careful to say the right words.
2. We ask questions about the job (such as habits, mood, clothes). At the same time, don't forget to be sympathetic, emphatic and non-judgemental.
3. It's also important to choose the right place for the discussion - a more confidential place, not exposed to other colleagues.
How does the training work in practice?
Employers who become members of the network are required to nominate around 4 domestic violence referrals who will attend a free 4-hour training course on the signs of domestic violence and how to act in the event of violence to help the victim. By becoming a member, the company receives support from PLS - says Manon Bouisset, network coordinator.
The 4-hour course consists of 3 parts:
- Part 1: Defining and quantifying domestic violence - putting it into context
- Part 2: how to spot the signs in a company context
- Part 3: how to act when violence is involved
ASBL PLS can, of course, put the company in touch with experts if requested.
The aim is for the workplace to become an inclusive place - women need to be able to feel safe, the measures in place in companies (steps to help them lodge a complaint).
A toolbox
In addition to training staff at member companies, a toolkit to raise awareness is also available to employers - comprising brochures, posters and flyers to inform all staff about the company's commitment.
This can be accessed online, but is reserved for members.
The CEASE network continues
To date, 38 organisations have signed up to the Charter of Commitment against Domestic Violence in Belgium. Some 300 people have already been trained.
PLS is proposing to expand the membership of the unique Belgian CEASE network, and to organise awareness-raising for their staff as well as ongoing training for managers, HR staff and confidants in detecting situations of violence and referring those concerned.
Would your workplace be interested in joining the network?
Here's the procedure to follow: CEASE : le réseau belge des employeur.se.s engagé.e.s contre les violences conjugales | Pour la Solidarité (pourlasolidarite.eu)
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