Gloucestershire charity educating employers on domestic abuse support
The Hollie Gazzard Trust are educating employers in Gloucestershire on how to support their staff experiencing domestic abuse.
A charity set up in the name of a young Gloucestershire woman murdered by her ex-partner whilst at work is bringing the county’s employers together to hear from survivors of domestic abuse.
Hollie Gazzard was just 20 years old when she was killed at a hair-salon in Gloucester city centre in 2014.
Before she was murdered, the young hairdresser had been subjected to physical violence and abusive behaviour but didn’t tell anyone.
Her family created the Hollie Gazzard Trust and vowed to do everything possible to raise awareness of abuse and make sure workplaces know how to keep their people safe.
Hollie’s Dad Nick Gazzard OBE, alongside survivors of domestic abuse and local business leaders are educating workplaces on how they can help staff.
Nick Gazzard said: “Good employers want to support their staff, but they often need help and guidance about the best way to deal with domestic abuse.
At Hollie Gazzard Trust, we’re experienced in working with all sorts of organisations to make sure they know the warning signs and how to look after their people.”
The charity are also backing Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre’s private members bill calling for employers to provide up to 10 days paid leave for staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Hannah Lewis, a survivor who spoke at the event told Greatest Hits Radio how this leave would’ve benefitted her: “I think just knowing it was there would’ve been really good.
“Just knowing that it was available, that your workplace was on board with it I think would be so vital.
“Because obviously I just took lots of sick leave and got sick notes from the doctor.”
Another survivor, who wanted to remain anonymous, says paid leave would help with the financial impact leaving an abusive relationship can have.
“Just in the last so many years that I've been out of the relationship, just with court cases and just appointments with like support services.
“What I can remember, I mean, the financial issue would've been well over £2000.”