16 Days of Activism - Day 7 - Sharon Livermore
Domestic Abuse Education was founded by Sharon Livermore, domestic abuse survivor. Since almost
losing her life in November 2015 Sharon has dedicated her career to raising awareness of domestic
abuse. Her work includes but is not limited to, setting up two businesses, co-creating “Sharon’s
Policy”, a domestic abuse policy, and guidance notes, available to download free of charge to
businesses nationwide; and most recently setting up a CPD training course which enables employees
to gain a CPD accreditation but most importantly provides employees with in-depth education on
domestic abuse and how the workplace can support. Did you know 75% of employees who
experience DA are targeted at the workplace by their abusive partner? The 16 Days of Activism and
White Ribbon Campaigns service as powerful tools for raising awareness about the prevalence and
consequence of gender-based violence. By participating in and promoting these initiatives, we can
educate employees, network, and partners about these critical issues which ultimately create a
greater understanding of the need for change. Through raising awareness and committing to better
understanding domestic abuse we can collectively lower shocking statistics, including the one above,
change lives and change the associated stigma and taboo that comes with domestic abuse. Domestic
Abuse Education seeks to help businesses understand that domestic abuse is very much a workplace
issue, once you understand this, the phrase “knowledge is power” really comes to life; once you’re
educated you won’t forget what you’re told, your perception of domestic abuse will be forever
altered, and you will feel empowered to support current, past, or future victims in your workplace.
The depth of support you provide is ultimately down to you, for men, the White Ribbon Promise is a
great start. For everyone, irrespective of gender, a Domestic Abuse Policy you understand and the
confidence to signpost are two simple yet life-changing actions every business can manage.
Domestic Abuse Education has a sister company, Kameo Recruitment, the men in the Kameo
Recruitment team took the White Ribbon promise earlier this year, you can read more about that
here. In short, the White Ribbon Promise is a public pledge to never commit, excuse or remain silent
about violence against women. Once the promise has been taken it signifies a personal commitment
to actively stand against gender-based violence and support survivors; this simple commitment can
alter lives, shape conversations amongst men around gender-based violence and help break the
cycle of abuse.
