Working With Diversity, Northern Ireland Section 75 Equality Scheme Advice

Belfast HCS Support Officers Information

The Role of the Support Officer within the Belfast HSC Trust

To offer confidential support and information to any staff member who is experiencing domestic abuse
To give the individual time to talk
To provide information on what the Trust offers in terms of support
To provide information on external agencies
A listening and onward referral service

Who are the domestic abuse support officers?

Designated support officers from all Service Groups and Trade Union side organisations, who have been trained to offer informed lay support and information. Training allows officers to provide consistent, quality support

What support and information can you expect from this service?

The support officer will offer emotional support through:

Listening to the individual
Provide the person with space and time to talk
Discussing what the victim wishes to do, if anything and allowing them time to reflect, consider options and choose their way forward
Reaffirming everyone's right to live free from abuse in any form
Treat the person with respect, sensitivity, courtesy and understanding throughout contact with the service
Respecting and supported the individual's decision, even if it was to do nothing

The support officer will offer practical information through:

Exploring the victim's concerns and enabling them to identify options open to them
Providing information on different types of support available, including useful contact numbers
Informing the person about how much support the Trust can provide

Support:

A 9-5, Monday –Friday, easily accessible support and link service
Emotional support and practical information
To liaise or assist the individual personally in informing line management
A confidential non-judgemental support and link service to other agencies who have professional expertise and experience
Help for family members through Staffcare and other agencies

The Belfast HSC Trust Domestic Abuse Support Service can offer information and support over the phone, by email or by arranging a meeting with one of the support officers at an agreed time and place. Further meetings can be arranged if needed.

Belfast HSC Trust Violence and Abuse, Interim Workplace Policy

The Policy outlines theTrusts commitment to providing a harmonious and supportive working environment for staff affected by domestic violence/abuse.

It outlines how domestic violence or abuse can impact on the ability of an individual to function effectively, both within and outside the workplace and sets out the support mechanisms in place within the Trust. Domestic Violence/Abuse holds no bounds and can affect anyone regardless of seniority, gender, sexual orientation, age, race, ethnicity or disability.

This Policy has been developed to provide support and practical information for Employees of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust who are experiencing or witnessing Domestic Abuse/Violence.