Domestic Violence
in the Workplace
All employers should be concerned about the impact of domestic violence in the workplace. According to a survey of 1,200 employees, conducted by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence:
​
-
65% reported being harassed at work, either in person or by phone.
-
63% believe victims were unable to finish assignments because of an abusive situation.
-
31% felt somewhat obligated to assist a victim of domestic violence by doing the individual's work or providing excuses for their absence.
-
38% said they were extremely to somewhat concerned for their own safety when they learned that a co-worker had been a victim of domestic violence.
Some of the warning signs employers should look for include:
-
bruises or injuries accompanied by elaborate excuses of accidents or clumsiness
-
frequent tardiness and absence from work
-
decreased productivity and attentiveness
-
low self-esteem
-
depression
-
crying
-
self blame
-
harassing phone calls at work
-
isolation
-
personality changes
-
fear of conflict
-
insufficient access to monetary resources
10 things businesses can do to fight domestic violence:
1
Adopt a policy that will not tolerate violent or disruptive behavior in the workplace. Once the company’s position is established, publicize the policy and report procedures to all employees.
2
Speak out on the issue. By speaking out on the issue and providing visible leadership, corporate management can demonstrate that victims enjoy a supportive environment at their company.
3
Sponsor a Domestic Violence Awareness Day. Enroll all employees in an awareness seminar during which corporate leaders speak out against abuse.
4
Include articles about domestic violence in company publications. Internal publications intended for employees are a perfect vehicle for promoting awareness of the problem.
5
Have materials that publicly condemn domestic violence, including posters, buttons, bumper stickers, coffee mugs, T-shirts and inserts into paychecks providing numbers for victims to call for help.
6
Improve security measures to address stalking of employees, including training security personnel on the needs of domestic violence victims.
7
Enhance benefit packages. Include leave policies that enable victims to go to court, as well as programs allowing employees to volunteer at local shelters during extended lunch hours, etc.
8
Hold employee training programs. Teach managers how to identify victims at work and direct them to services in the community. Require managers to attend domestic violence awareness training.
9
Employee assistance programs should provide counseling and referrals to shelters and other domestic violence organizations.
10
​Adopt a local domestic violence shelter through monetary or in-kind contributions.
If the employer becomes aware of a specific concern
related to domestic violence, additional precautions can be taken:
-
Take steps to keep the abuser out of the workplace.
-
Alert building security and distribute a photograph of the abuser.
-
Allow the employee to change his or her work schedule.
-
Offer to change the employees phone extension.
-
Support efforts to obtain police protection.
-
Be flexible in allowing time off for the employee to seek medical treatment or appear in court.
-
Give the victim a parking space close to the building.