16 of Estonia’s leading employers have joined the initiative Employers Against Domestic Abuse, launched by the President Kaljulaid Foundation. They share the belief that the workplace plays an important role in preventing and reducing domestic abuse in Estonia.
“Sometimes, you bring up a topic and instantly sense how people connect with it. It can happen at home, at work, or in a public space. That’s when you know you’ve touched on something that truly matters,” said President Kersti Kaljulaid. “This happened to us at the President Kaljulaid Foundation about a year and a half ago, during our annual conference on domestic abuse. Some participants from the UK shared the idea that employers can play a significant role in reducing violencel in society. They can help their employees break free from abusive relationships and support them in building a new life. What’s more, it also makes economic sense for organisations. That was one of those moments—when some leaders were genuinely interested and engaged with the idea.”
To date, 16 Estonian employers have joined the initiative Employers Against Domestic Abuse, launched by the President Kaljulaid Foundation. They believe that the workplace can play a key role in preventing domestic abuse.
“We have brave men and women who have taken the first steps into what has been, until now, uncharted territory—and they want to stand by their people. We are learning together, acting together, and I am genuinely moved every time I see someone who truly cares about ensuring that people in Estonia feel safe in their own homes—and that, as a result, they also have the strength to thrive at work,” President Kaljulaid added.
Domestic abuse is a widespread issue in Estonia, affecting everyone in one way or another. According to Statistics Estonia, 41% of women and 33% of men have experienced violence in an intimate relationship at least once in their lifetime. At the same time, nearly 700,000 people are employed in Estonia. This means that every day, employers come into contact with individuals who have either experienced domestic abuse, are perpetrators themselves, or are witnesses to it.
The Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative offers employers tools, training, and access to a wide range of expert support to help raise awareness and build workplaces where signs of domestic abuse are recognised—and those in need are guided towards help.
The impact employers can have in raising awareness reaches hundreds of thousands of people
Agris Peedu, Chairman of the Management Board of Regionaalhaigla, which recently joined the initiative for a three-year period, noted that as a major healthcare provider in Northern Estonia and the islands, they cannot remain on the sidelines when it comes to such a vital issue. “Caring is at the core of who we are. By raising awareness among our more than 5,300 employees and equipping them with the necessary skills and tools to identify and support those in need—even in such a sensitive area as domestic abuse—we can help build a healthier and safer society together. In addition, our hospitals treat over 150,000 patients each year, not to mention the many family members who accompany them,” Peedu explained.
“Domestic abuse is a serious, yet often hidden problem in society—one that deserves more attention,” said Kristi Lomp, Member of the Management Board at Selver AS, upon joining the initiative as a Beacon Member. “As an employer, our responsibility goes beyond providing good working conditions—we are committed to supporting the mental and physical well-being of our employees. A safe and caring workplace is a core value for Selver.” She believes that employers can foster an environment where people feel empowered to ask for help—and are also capable of recognising and supporting those who need it.
Workplace values shape society
The initiative was recently joined for a three-year period by the U.S.-based company Rush Street Interactive, which operates offices in both Tallinn and Tartu. “The statistics on domestic abuse in Estonia are shocking—they show that nearly every workplace may include individuals who have experienced or perpetrated domestic abuse,” said Ann-Marii Lääne, DEI Programs & Events Manager at Rush Street Interactive. “As an employer, we recognise the significant role we play in supporting our people. Raising awareness and offering support helps us create a safe working environment—and the values we foster at work inevitably ripple out into society. We quite literally have the power to save lives.”
A number of respected Estonian employers have joined the initiative. In addition to those already mentioned, the list includes SOL Baltics, Ensto Estonia, Enefit, Betsson Group, Lidl, Swedbank, Nordea, Telia, Bolt, IKEA, Seesam Insurance, Südameapteek, and Mõttekasv.
“It’s powerful to see how this issue resonates with organisations from such diverse sectors,” said President Kersti Kaljulaid, emphasising that domestic vabuse is a widespread societal problem that affects every one of us—employers included. She called on all Estonian employers to join the initiative.
Discover more about the initiative www.vagivallavabaks.ee.