Health insurance provider Axa UK has launched a domestic abuse support fund to provide affected employees with financial assistance to help them leave an abusive situation.
The fund aims to help with urgent needs, such as securing safe accommodation, transport and food costs. It is a one-time payment, fully funded by Axa UK.
The orgabnisation’s employees and line managers can confidentially request support from trusted contacts, who are part of a dedicated in-house team created to support victims of domestic abuse. The HR team, working alongside the trusted contacts, will review requests discreetly and arrange for payment through payroll.
If additional information, such as alternative bank details, are needed, HR will contact staff directly to ensure privacy and support.
The fund is designed to enhance Axa UK’s existing package of domestic abuse support for staff, which is part of its goal to raise awareness and improve access to vital support. This includes five days of paid leave for appointments or arrangements related to domestic abuse and access to a dedicated in-house trained team.
The insurer also launched Axa Safe Spaces, a training programme designed to teach staff how to recognise, respond to and refer victims of domestic and sexual violence. This initiative is available to other organisations.
Additionally, Axa UK works with Women’s Aid and Smart Works to help those experiencing domestic abuse access support services from both charities. It also works with We Thrive, which provides assistance to survivors of domestic abuse to get back into employment.
Amanda Vaughan, chief people officer at Axa UK and Ireland, said: “We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe and supported, both inside and outside the workplace. The new domestic abuse support fund is another meaningful step in providing tangible help to employees facing difficult circumstances. Our goal is to shape a culture focused on care, where survivors feel empowered to ask for help without any fear or judgement. Together, we can build a workplace where everyone feels truly valued and protected.”
