EVENT DESCRIPTION
Newcastle’s proud and resilient business community is set to lead the way on employee wellbeing this autumn. On Monday 13th October, divorce and domestic abuse coach Sarah Pike will host Breaking the Silence, a powerful awareness event tackling the hidden impact of domestic abuse and separation in the workplace.
Featuring an NHS mental health nurse sharing lived experience, guidance from local charities, a presentation on workshops on how to recognise, respond, and support employees in crisis, the event will equip Tyneside organisations with the tools to become safer, stronger, and truly forward-thinking workplaces.
Timed in UK Domestic Abuse Awareness Month (October 2025), this event positions Tyneside businesses at the forefront of meaningful change.
QUOTES
“As a divorce and domestic abuse coach with my own experiences of domestic abuse, I know these issues don’t just happen behind closed doors. Domestic abuse does not clock off from 9am – 5pm, does not discriminate and happens across all industries, in all sectors, within all roles of employment.”
“In a region rooted in resilience, pride, and mutual support, the business community stands strong. Yet, with rising cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty across the UK, the risks of domestic abuse and separation are growing.
Saying you support your team with policies isn’t enough, Newcastle businesses need real, actionable tools and training to back it up.”
Breaking the Silence on 13th October at Dakota Hotel in Newcastle is about more than awareness, it’s about equipping HR teams, leaders, and wellness managers with the confidence and compassion to recognise the signs, offer support without judgement, and signpost to help when it truly matters.
Victim support services are truly amazing at what they do, but victim support should be a last resort and businesses are in a unique position to guide their employees and safely signpost to the correct professional services.
“At the moment I am seeing a pattern where businesses have domestic abuse policies in place, but little to no training to create an awareness of what domestic abuse actually IS. This leads to lack of confidence to approach the subject and passing employees onto support services that may not be available for weeks.”
“I’m taking it right back to where people can learn what domestic abuse IS, so they are aware of what may be lacking in their business.
If people are aware, they know they need to implement relevant training programs.
The training creates an understanding which in turn creates a collective awareness in the workplace.
The company then designates a fully trained ‘domestic-abuse-awareness champion’ and the conversation is no longer uncomfortable.
Employees know they have a non-judgemental space to talk, be listened to and support strategies put in place before it ever reaches the need for victim support.
Post-separation abuse doesn’t end when a relationship does; it can worsen and workplaces have a profound role in protecting and supporting staff through it.
Join us at Dakota Hotel, Newcastle Quayside as we stand ahead of the curve during Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, not just talking about support, but putting it into practice.