Today, President Kaljulaid’s Fund and Estonian employers jointly launched the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative, which aims to help reduce domestic abuse. Among the first key members of the initiative are Enefit, Betsson Group, SOL Baltics, and Ensto Estonia. Regular members include IKEA, Bolt, Nordea, Lidl Estonia, and Swedbank.
“In Estonia, nearly 700,000 people are employed, including both perpetrators and victims of domestic abuse. Given that 41% of women and 33% of men in Estonia have experienced abuse in a relationship at least once in their lifetime, it is safe to say that employers encounter individuals affected by abuse daily—whether as victims, witnesses, or perpetrators,” said Head of the Initiative, Triin Adamson.
She pointed out that while domestic abuse primarily occurs outside the workplace, it also impacts employee well-being, colleagues, and the overall work environment.
“Domestic abuse in intimate relationships causes serious emotional, psychological, and physical trauma, as it is often inflicted by the person who seems to care for us the most. Research shows that domestic abuse has, in addition to its direct individual impact, a significant effect on work life. For example, Vodafone’s internal research revealed that 75% of employees who experienced domestic abuse reported that it negatively affected their performance and career progression,” Adamson added.
To raise awareness and create domestic abuse-aware workplaces, the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative provides training, tools, educational materials, and networking opportunities for sharing experiences and ideas. The initiative has also published a handbook to guide employers in addressing domestic abuse effectively.
“Too many cases of domestic abuse in Estonia go unnoticed, leaving victims without the support they need. That’s why it is crucial for bystanders, including employers, to understand the nature of abuse, recognise warning signs, and direct victims to the help they need. Employees spend nearly half their waking hours in the workplace or working remotely, which provides ample time to observe changes in behaviour and workplace dynamics,” said President Kersti Kaljulaid. “With this initiative, we are offering hope to victims and a toolbox for employers to recognise concerns and offer support. Employers may often be the first to notice problems and provide support,” she added.
The initiative was officially launched at Estonia’s largest conference on domestic abuse, Stronger Together, where representatives from the first key members discussed the role of employers in preventing abuse. This year’s conference focused on creating an ethical and trauma-informed information space. The discussion addressed the influence of media (journalism and social media) both in normalising abuse and challenging these norms. Speakers included Martin Šmutov, Mihkel Kärmas, Urmas Viilma, and others.
Watch the conference recording here: https://epl.delfi.ee/artikkel/120340450/otse-aasta-suurim-lahisuhtevagivalla-konverents-koos-tugevamad