AXA Retail Working With Women’s Aid & Smart Works Charities

The latest support from AXA Retail;

AXA Retail has today announced it is working with charities Women’s Aid and Smart Works to offer support for domestic abuse survivors in the UK. The initiative will help AXA car and home insurance customers, who are experiencing domestic abuse, to access vital support services from both charities.

In England and Wales, 2.3m adults aged 16 and over experienced domestic abuse in 2024. However, less than one in 10 women and less than one in 10 children who experienced domestic abuse received support from a refuge or community-based support service. Together, AXA, Women’s Aid and Smart Works are committed to empowering survivors by providing them with the resources and tools needed to navigate their circumstances, get out and stay out of an abusive situation, and rebuild their lives with confidence.

Through the collaboration, AXA can help its customers gain practical assistance, financial and emotional independence via Women’s Aid and Smart Works. The support includes:

• A dedicated, specially trained team in AXA to help with insurance policy changes and handling of sensitive cases.
• Personalised support plan from Women’s Aid, that could include access to a support fund, provided by AXA, to help the survivor get out and stay out.
• Support with their banking needs as well help with getting back to work with CV writing, interview skills and smart clothing through Smart Works.

The initiative will continue to be developed throughout 2025 and beyond.

Women’s Aid is a national charity that works towards ending domestic abuse against women and children. Women’s Aid has a range of support services helping thousands of women and children escape domestic abuse every year.

“Ending domestic abuse requires effort from across society, so Women’s Aid are proud to be working with AXA on this project protecting survivors. We know how important it is that survivors of domestic abuse receive the right support the first time they ask for it. This vital collaboration will enable survivors to rebuild their lives and gain the independence that is so often taken by perpetrators of abuse.” Nikki Bradley MBE, Director of Services at Women’s Aid.

Smart Works is a UK charity that helps unemployed women access professional clothing, coaching, and the confidence they need to succeed at job interviews. Over the past decade, more than 40,000 women have been supported across 12 centres nationwide, with 67% securing employment within a month. Referrals are welcomed for women aged 16 and over who are unemployed or on zero-hours contracts, and who have a confirmed or upcoming job interview. Support is available at Smart Works centres or virtually.

“We support women referred to us by providing the clothing, coaching, and confidence that can make all the difference in securing employment. Finding a job is often a vital step towards financial independence, and we’re proud to offer this support in person or online.” – Anna Hemmings, CEO, Smart Works.

To find out more, visit: Domestic Abuse | AXA & Women’s Aid