Violence is not just a domestic sphere issue; but also a workplace issue. It’s crucial for the business world to take action and be a driving force for meaningful, lasting change.

With this goal in mind, the foundations of the "Business Against Domestic Violence" (BADV) project were laid in 2013. Designed to highlight the impact of domestic violence on working life and to encourage companies to establish institutional support mechanisms in this area, the project continues its activities under the leadership of the Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum of Sabancı University, with the support of UNFPA Türkiye (United Nations Population Fund) and the Sabancı Foundation, and in cooperation with the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TÜSİAD). As of January 2025, the project includes 127 private sector companies.

Private Sector Support for Gender Equality

The BADV project aims to raise awareness of domestic violence in the business world, to promote a workplace culture based on the principle of zero tolerance for violence, and to support the full and effective participation in working life of all employees affected by or at risk of domestic violence—especially women—by establishing appropriate support mechanisms in workplaces. Another key goal of the project is to improve women’s working conditions and thereby increase both their participation in the workforce and the duration of their employment.

The project also seeks to promote the dissemination of effective policies and best practices in combating domestic violence across the private sector.

BADV Network

As part of the BADV project, "Business Against Domestic Violence Network" was established in 2022 with the aim of increasing the communication, experience and knowledge sharing among the companies who have been involved in the project and growing stronger with new companies.

For more in-depth information, check the project website.

Ata Can Bertay, Director of Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum of Türkiye

"Domestic violence is a fundamental human rights problem that prevents meaningful participation of women in employment, thereby profoundly affecting society and sustainable development. By empowering the private sector to strengthen efforts in the elimination of domestic violence, we aim to drive progress towards sustainable development in Türkiye, and ensure women's safety and economic autonomy are prioritized."

Ata Can Bertay, Director of Sabancı University Corporate Governance Forum of Türkiye

Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Türkiye Representative

"UNFPA is a leading UN agency working to respond and reduce gender-based violence in more than 150 countries. We are happy to work in close cooperation with the business world in the field of combating domestic violence in Türkiye from the very beginning. We believe that the project has been further developing the vision and responsibility of the private sector in terms of building supportive mechanisms against domestic violence in workplaces and promoting good practices."

Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Türkiye Representative

Orhan Turan, President of TÜSİAD

"Gender equality cannot be achieved without tackling violence against women, and concrete and permanent solutions can only be reached as long as we mobilize institutional transformation for gender equality starting from the workplace. We must be able to implement the necessary practices and sanctions with a "zero tolerance to violence" approach in every condition we are in."

Orhan Turan, President of TÜSİAD

Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, General Manager for the Sabancı Foundation

"The Business Against Domestic Violence (BADV) project guides companies in addressing domestic violence as a serious gender-based human rights violation. It supports businesses in creating lasting, systemic solutions through internal policies, showing that violence affects workplace safety and gender equality. By adopting a "zero tolerance for violence" stance, companies contribute to broader social change. With over 100 members, the BADV Network shows the private sector’s powerful role in driving social responsibility through collaboration."

Nevgül Bilsel Safkan, General Manager for the Sabancı Foundation

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3/4

of white-collar women employees are exposed to at least one form of violence in their life time.

3/4

1/4

Of women employees are afraid of sharing their violence experiences with managers due to possible negative consequences.

1/4

x2

when women earn more than their partners, their risk of domestic violence doubles

x2

1/5

of employees notice or hear that their colleagues are subjected to domestic violence

1/5

9/10

of employees believe that domestic violence has a negative impact on women’s work life

9/10

BADV companies

Launched in 2013 to make the impact of domestic violence on working life more visible and to support companies in establishing institutional support mechanisms in this field, the "Business Against Domestic Violence" (BADV) project, as of January 2025, includes 127 private sector companies. BADV companies are committed to promoting gender equality in all areas, raising awareness of women’s rights and domestic violence in the workplace, and advancing the widespread implementation of effective support mechanisms to prevent domestic violence.

Here is the full list of the BADV companies.

What Do BADV Companies Do?

Companies participating in the BADV project benefit from a core implementation guide and their designated staff members undergo specialized training to become facilitators on gender equality. Through this training, they gain the skills to train their own teams, helping to raise awareness across the entire organization.

Following the training, companies commit to developing institutional policies centered on gender equality and take the lead in creating safe and inclusive workplaces for all employees. They also assume responsibility for initiating the necessary organizational steps to embed these practices.

Opportunities Available to Companies Participating in the BADV Project:

Participate in BADV’s tailored training programs to develop new company policies or strengthen existing ones for lasting change in the workplace.
Raise awareness among senior leadership and all employees on gender equality and domestic violence.
Establish prevention and support mechanisms to help employees lead lives free from violence.
Implement essential support practices within the workplace.
Exchange best practices, knowledge, and experience with other companies through the BADV network.

Best practices

The support provided by companies participating in the BADV project, which prioritize the well-being and safety of their employees include:

• Financial Support

• Health Support

• Safety Measures

• Psychological and Legal Support

• Free 24/7 support hotline

• Hybrid and flexible working arrangement

• Paid Leave Support

• Performance Support

• Information and Guidance

• Awareness-Raising Trainings

For example: Some BADV companies provide financial support to employees affected by domestic violence and offer psychological counseling free of charge. Some BADV companies provide comprehensive protection support to employees subjected to violence—covering every step from changing phone numbers to relocating addresses. Some BADV companies offer administrative leave if needed and requested by an employee experiencing domestic violence. Some BADV companies offer flexible and remote work arrangements tailored to the needs of employees who have children.

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The Business Against Domestic Violence Network

In 2022, as part of the project, The Business Against Domestic Violence Network was established. All companies that participate in the BADV project and complete the required processes are eligible to become members of the BADV Business Network. The Network aims to strengthen communication and collaboration among participating companies, increase the exchange of experiences, promote best practices, and ensure the sustainability of efforts. For more information about the project and the Business Network, please visit the BADV website and the related publications. Companies interested in joining the BADV project can request further information or apply by sending an email to turkiye@unfpa.org or badv@sabanciuniv.edu.tr.