What was Family-Business Connect? Family-Business Connect was part of a violence reduction plan announced by Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and Police Chief Rod Knecht. It was designed to build connections between major businesses and the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters to raise awareness of domestic violence and its impact upon the workplace, the family and the community. Participating businesses were provided with the tools and information required to both educate and engage their employees in an effort to end domestic violence. These leading businesses made a commitment to: Provide $10,000 per year for three years Host two corporate family violence seminars per year for three years Display and disseminate education information about family violence In return, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters provided a number of options and supports to Family-Business Connect participants, such as: Domestic Violence & Your Workplace Tool Kit, A turn-key resource available to companies to help them implement a plan and/or policy to raise awareness of domestic violence and how to deal with it in their workplace. Two training sessions per year for three years. These presentations could be tailored to meet the needs of each participating business. A comprehensive entry and exit analysis. Success measures were developed and tailored to each participating business. Distributing information on the various shelters and services offered in the Edmonton area. Engaging employees in active volunteerism at shelters or related events and activities. Participant recognition As well, the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters developed public awareness tools to help put an end to domestic violence.
