Client: Bristol Myers Squibb – Domestic Abuse Strand
Objective
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) sought to strengthen its internal approach to domestic abuse awareness by creating a more informed, supportive and psychologically safe culture for employees. The aim was to go beyond awareness-raising and embed meaningful, trauma-informed change across the organisation.
The organisation also wanted to align this work with best practice standards and contribute towards achieving a workplace wellbeing award.
The Challenge
Domestic abuse remains a hidden issue in many workplaces, with employees often unsure how to speak up or feel supported. BMS recognised the need to:
• Increase awareness and understanding of domestic abuse
• Equip staff and managers with confidence to respond appropriately
• Break down stigma and silence around the subject
• Demonstrate organisational commitment to safeguarding and inclusion
• Move towards recognition through external workplace wellbeing awards
The Approach
Working closely with the Domestic Abuse Strand at BMS, I delivered a multi-layered, trauma-informed programme that focused on awareness, culture and capacity building.
This included:
✔ Interactive Domestic Abuse Awareness Workshops
Delivering psychologically informed sessions tailored to the organisational context. These workshops explored:
Signs and impact of domestic abuse
Barriers to disclosure in the workplace
How to respond safely as colleagues and managers
Compassionate communication and boundaries
Signposting and internal support pathways
✔ Trauma-Informed & Culturally Sensitive Framework
The sessions were approached through a trauma-informed lens, taking into account cultural dynamics, power, stigma and psychological safety.
✔ Leadership & Staff Engagement
Workshops were delivered to both leadership and wider teams, supporting buy-in across levels and helping embed change at a systemic level.
✔ Consultation & Strategic Input
I also supported strategic discussions around internal messaging, safe-reporting processes and long-term culture development in relation to domestic abuse awareness.
The Impact
The programme resulted in meaningful cultural and organisational change:
• Increased staff knowledge and confidence around domestic abuse
• Stronger psychological safety, enabling more open conversation
• Improved leadership confidence in handling sensitive issues
• Positive engagement and feedback across departments
• Strengthened internal policies and support structures
• Contribution towards BMS achieving recognition through a workplace wellbeing award
Employees reported feeling more informed, less isolated, and more confident to support colleagues or seek help themselves. Leaders expressed greater clarity on their role in creating safe environments.
Outcomes
✅ Strengthened domestic abuse awareness strategy
✅ Cultural shift towards openness and psychological safety
✅ Improved confidence and competence in leaders and teams
✅ Contribution to award recognition in workplace wellbeing
✅ Long-term framework for sustainable organisational change
“This work was about more than awareness — it was about creating safer systems, braver conversations and a culture where employees felt genuinely supported, not just signposted.”
— Dr Ravi Gill, Workplace Wellbeing Consultant
IMPACT:
Following the delivery of the domestic abuse awareness programme and wider organisational initiatives, the Bristol Myers Squibb Domestic Abuse Support Group became the first pharmaceutical company to be recognised by the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse for its commitment to raising awareness, improving workplace support, and driving cultural change around domestic abuse within the organisation.
JAN 2026