The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) has joined the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative to strengthen its support for employees affected by domestic abuse. With the PPA’s membership, the network now has 23 member organisations employing more than 35,000 people in total, which is nearly five per cent of Estonia’s employed population.
Kristi Mäe, Deputy Director General of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board, said the organisation aims to be a caring employer that is there for its people during difficult times. “We are a large organisation, and the issues affecting Estonian society affect us too. At the same time, working in the police can make seeking help even more difficult, both for those experiencing abuse and for those who use violence themselves,” she explained.
“We want to give those who work to keep others safe the confidence that they will not be left alone when facing difficult situations in their own lives. By joining the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative, we want to draw on expert recommendations and the experience of other organisations to develop the best possible support for PPA employees,” Mäe said.
The Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative was established in 2024 under the leadership of the President Kaljulaid Foundation. President Kersti Kaljulaid said the PPA’s decision to join the network is particularly significant. “Through their everyday work, PPA employees see the true scale and consequences of domestic abuse. For many, the issue does not end when the working day is over; instead, they may face abuse in their own homes. With more than 4,500 employees, the PPA is one of Estonia’s largest employers. Raising awareness of domestic abuse within an organisation of this size can have a significant impact, both for the PPA itself and for society as a whole,” Kaljulaid said.
Triin Adamson, Head of the Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative, noted that over the initiative’s first year and a half of operation, there had been several cases in which employer support had helped people leave abusive relationships. “Even we have been somewhat surprised to find that almost every training session includes someone sharing a painful experience of their own or that of someone close to them. Some participants have realised during a session that they are in an abusive relationship or that they themselves have been abusive towards someone close to them. This shows just how close to home the issue really is. Domestic abuse affects our colleagues, friends and loved ones, often without us knowing about it,” she said.
A survey conducted last year found that 57 per cent of people in Estonia consider employers’ role in supporting victims of domestic abuse important. “We can see that more and more employers are recognising the importance of this issue. They understand that the workplace can be the safest place of the day for some people. Sometimes, all it takes is for a colleague or manager to recognise the signs, ask the right questions and help someone access support at the right time. These are precisely the skills and knowledge we share across our network,” Adamson explained.
About Employers Against Domestic Abuse:
The Employers Against Domestic Abuse initiative brings together employers committed to creating safe, domestic abuse-aware workplaces where people in need can be recognised and supported. Established in 2024 under the leadership of the President Kaljulaid Foundation, the network now includes 23 organisations employing more than 35,000 people – nearly five per cent of Estonia’s employed population.
Organisations of all sizes and across all sectors are welcome to join. The initiative is open to companies, non-profit organisations, foundations and other legal entities that share its values and vision. Individuals interested in the topic are also welcome to take part. Find out more and join the initiative: https://www.vagivallavabaks.ee/en/join