The creators of two UK Government-backed Covenants are set to work together to strengthen employers' responses to abuse.

Michelle John, founder of PEGS and creator of the Child to Parent Abuse Covenant (CPAC), and Polly Harrar, founder of the Sharan Project and lead delivery partner of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC), have joined forces to ensure more workplaces have policies and practices in place to effectively support those who are currently experiencing (or have previously experienced) Intimate Partner or Child to Parent Abuse.

Employers who sign the CPAC are committing to assisting employees and volunteers who are experiencing CPA – which impacts upwards of 3% of UK households - by implementing and developing effective policies and practices around this issue. 

EDAC members are encouraged to sign up to five pledges, which includes identifying sustainable work-based opportunities for women affected by abuse to enter or re-enter the workplace.

Both organisations have signed up to the other’s Covenants, and Michelle and Polly are looking at ways they can continue to promote and raise awareness for EDAC and CPAC, which were both launched in conjunction with the Department for Work and Pensions.

Michelle said: “EDAC and CPAC are about removing the employment barriers which can be in place for people experiencing different types of domestic abuse. The workforce is losing out on a great deal of talent due to the effects of abuse; yet with the right support, those people could remain (or become) employed, to the benefit of them as individuals, their employer, and the wider community. 

“We’re proud to support EDAC and the work of Polly and the Sharan Project, and we hope by working together we can encourage even more employers to think about the impact of abuse and how they can make it possible for those affected to have a fulfilling career.”

Polly added: “Partnership working is key to better understanding the impact that all forms of abuse can have on victims/survivors and now, more than ever, the role employers can play in addressing these issues can make huge a difference. We are delighted with this collaboration with CPAC and look forward to working together.”

PEGS, which founded the CPAC, is a social enterprise which supports parents experiencing Child to Parent Abuse, trains frontline professionals, influences national and regional policy, and raises awareness for this often-hidden issue.

EDAC – which has been included as a recommended in the Domestic Abuse Act - is delivered by The Sharan Project, an award-winning charity that works to empower, educate and inspire women who want to learn about the support and choices that are available to them, and provide them with the tools to lead life on their own terms. 

EDAC and CPAC are third and fourth Covenants in the UK respectively, following on from the Armed Forces and Care Leavers Covenants.

Tony Hyland, DWP Senior National Account Manager, has supported the development of both Covenants and sees both as being vital in offering concrete support to appropriate victims of abuse.

“Both Polly and Michelle are inspirational leaders and both the EDAC and the CPAC offer vital support to some of our most vulnerable customers so we at DWP will continue to support in any way we can."

Visit www.edacuk.org to find out more about EDAC, and www.pegsupport.co.uk/CPAC for