MP raises awareness of domestic violence with local businesses for International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Marie Tidball MP, the Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, encouraged businesses in Stocksbridge to pledge their support for those who may be experiencing domestic abuse.

Marie was joined on the walkabout by IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) and constituent Claire Throssell MBE. IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North that supports people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Claire Throssell is a local campaigner, from Penistone, who has been campaigning for eleven years for a change in the law relating to the presumption of contact in the family courts. Claire began her campaign following the tragic death of her two boys, Jack and Paul, at the hands of their known domestically abusive father.

On the walkabout, Marie and Claire visited local businesses to share with them information about IDAS’s Domestic Abuse Workplace Charter. Businesses that have signed up to the Charter are supported with raising staff awareness of the signs of domestic abuse, how to provide a clear response if someone asks for help, and information resources to display in their shops so people know what support is available locally.

Marie Tidball MP said:

“As well as pushing to change the law nationally on the presumption of contact, it’s an honour to work with the phenomenal Claire Throssell MBE and IDAS to tackle domestic violence and abuse on our doorstep.

“Local businesses are the front door to our communities, and they can have a real role to play in helping someone find the support that they need. I was pleased that the businesses I popped into were so receptive to hearing more about IDAS’s work and so enthusiastically got involved by putting the Workplace Charter posters up. I would encourage all local businesses and community organisations to pledge their support to the Workplace Charter.

“I’ll be working with Claire and IDAS again to deliver training to local businesses, community organisations, and other public services later this summer. Please do get in touch with me if this is something you would be interested in finding out more about.”