The anxieties just lift': why domestic abuse refuges are turning to female tradespeople
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The anxieties just lift': why domestic abuse refuges are turning to female tradespeople
"The presence of men can be distressing and could trigger past traumas for our survivors, said Lisa Cantwell-Hope, the head of property services at the charity. Male contractors need an escort to make our survivors feel more comfortable, and we always put a notice out to all our residents saying there will be a male presence in the building today."
"Data from the Office for National Statistics shows there were 48,000 tradeswomen in the UK in 2021, a growth of 41% from 2006, but it is thought this is still only about 4% of the total trades workforce, and construction is consistently ranked as the most male-dominated industry in the country. Regionally, the West Midlands has the highest number of tradeswomen (who make up 4.4% of all tradespeople, above London (2.98%) and the south-west (2.24%)."
Refuge operates 64 homes for domestic abuse survivors and faces challenges because most electricians, plumbers and decorators are men, which can distress survivors and trigger past trauma. Male contractors require escorts and prior resident notice to ensure comfort and safety, increasing staff time and logistical burden. ONS reported 48,000 tradeswomen in the UK in 2021, a 41% rise since 2006, yet tradeswomen remain roughly 4% of the trades workforce. Regional data show the West Midlands highest at 4.4%, with many regions below 1%. Apprenticeship uptake by women rose 73% between 2019 and 2022, easing contractor shortages.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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