A seminar on domestic violence this morning heard calls for employers to help victims of domestic violence, rather than fire them for loss of productivity.

The calls were made during a seminar for employers organised by the Commission on Domestic Violence. 

The commission is currently running an awareness campaign on domestic violence which is partly financed by the European Social Fund.

The purpose of the seminar was to make employers aware of the effect of domestic violence on employees and how employers could help such victims. 

During the seminar, employers were urged  to help and protect employees.

Renee Laiviera, who gave a presentation, said only half of victims sought help, and many were financially dependant on their aggressors, especially when they had to leave their jobs, or were dismissed, because of their problems.

It was pointed out to the employers that helping their employees, by offering a sympathetic ear and allowing some flexibility in working time, for example, would in the long run turn out to be cheaper than firing and recruiting and training new staff.