Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse: BWB Technologies Takes the Working It Out Pledge

BWB Technologies is proud to announce that we have taken the Working It Out pledge, a national campaign dedicated to tackling domestic abuse through awareness, education, and meaningful action. Co-created by Domestic Abuse Education, the Domestic Abuse Alliance, and The HR Dept, the initiative empowers UK businesses to recognise the signs of domestic abuse and to support those who may be affected.

Domestic abuse is not confined to behind closed doors. It affects individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. In the past year alone, an estimated 3.8 million people across England and Wales were affected, and the Office for National Statistics reports that police received a call related to domestic abuse roughly every 30 seconds. These figures are devastating and remind us that this is not a distant problem; it touches colleagues, friends, and people we care about every day.

At BWB Technologies, we believe safety and wellbeing should never be limited to the workplace. We want every member of our team to feel safe here, at home, and everywhere in between. Our commitment goes beyond policy; it's about creating a culture where people feel supported, heard, and protected.

Why We Took the Pledge

The Working It Out campaign builds on the launch of Sharon's Policy, a free domestic abuse policy template created in 2021 and informed by the lived experience of survivor Sharon Livermore. Sharon has been a powerful advocate for change, and her story highlights why employer awareness is so critical. She says:

"When I was experiencing domestic abuse, my employer couldn't fully support me – because they didn't understand what help I needed or how to provide it. I'm thrilled that BWB Technologies has signed the Working It Out pledge, demonstrating their commitment to raising awareness of domestic abuse and to providing the right support so that their employees and business can thrive."

The pledge asks businesses to take six clear steps:

• Join the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)

• Introduce and embed a domestic abuse policy

• Ensure all staff know where to get help

• Raise awareness across the organisation

• Publicly share their commitment

• Report annually on progress

These steps are simple, but their impact can be life-changing.

Our Commitment to Our Team

At BWB, the wellbeing of our people is at the heart of everything we do. Our Managing Director, Hozan Edwards, explained why this pledge matters to us:

We recognise that domestic abuse affects people of all genders and backgrounds. Statistics show that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. These figures are not abstract; they represent people we may work with, care about, or see every day.

That's why we are committed to:

• Raising awareness so that signs of abuse are recognised early

• Creating a safe space where employees feel able to speak up

• Providing support through trained first aiders and a mental health first aider

• Ensuring confidentiality and compassion for anyone seeking help

• Building a culture of trust, where wellbeing is prioritised

Our workplace is more than a building; it's a community. And communities look out for one another.

Looking Ahead

Taking the Working It Out pledge is not a one-off action; it's the start of an ongoing commitment. We will continue to educate our team, strengthen our internal policies, and ensure that everyone at BWB and in our wider community knows they have somewhere to turn if they need support.

Domestic abuse thrives in silence, so speaking up, raising awareness, and taking action can help break that silence and protect those most in need.

In Need of Support

If you or someone you know needs support, here are some helpful mobile phone apps:

• WEPROTECT – an instant victim referral app, giving you access to a team of trained legal advisors.

• Bright Sky – an easily accessible app which provides practical support and information on how to respond to domestic abuse.

• Hollie Guard – a safeguarding app, helping you alert emergency contacts, gather evidence and track movement if you don't feel safe.

• Kulpa – an evidence-gathering app for any kind of media, which can be used to support a criminal or civil case, should you choose to use it.

If you are based in the UK and would prefer to speak on the phone, you can call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 2000 247. If you or anyone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999.