Domestic violence

Domestic violence in the workplace

Do not assume the effects of domestic violence are not confined to the home; domestic violence encroaches upon a victim's workplace when her abuser attempts to stalk, harass, injure, or threaten her at work. These behaviors not only endanger the victim, they also put her co-workers, clients, and members of the general public at risk.

Domestic violence in the workplace is costly to both the victim and to her employer. A victim may suffer lost work, lost wages, and poor performance appraisals. Her abuser may threaten her via phone, mail, fax, or email, and such disturbances affect employees' ability to fulfill the requirements of their jobs. The risk of job loss because of an abuser's continual harassment is very often a barrier to leaving an abusive relationship. (See Why Do Women Stay? Why Don't They Leave?)

Domestic violence in the workplace also has a negative impact on an employer. When a victim's productivity is compromised, when adverse publicity affects employee morale and business profitability, when domestic abuse escalates to vandalism and property damage, a company's bottom line suffers. Although most companies are insured for property damage, many will see their rates increase as a result of such incidents. Similarly, violence in the workplace may also lead to an increase in employer-paid health premiums. Companies may also need to evaluate the cost of short- and long-term disability benefits if injury occurs at work as a result of domestic violence. Employer liability also becomes an issue if employers fail to take adequate measures to protect employees.

A victim's employer and colleagues, although disrupted, should remember that victims do not deserve—nor did they ask—to be abused. Domestic violence is never the victim's fault.

What empoyers can do

What can companies do about domestic violence in the workplace? The American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence suggests companies can do one or all of the following:

1. Make a safety planning worksheet available to all employees. Have it available in cafeterias, staff lounges, and restrooms.
2. Offer a brown bag lunch session or seminar to heighten awareness of domestic violence. Such a session should, ideally, be facilitated by local domestic violence agencies or law enforcement agencies and should also address community resources available to respond to domestic violence.
3. In the United States, the National Workplace Resource Center on Domestic Violence (1-800-END-ABUSE) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-512-453-8117) each has materials for employers, including educational posters.
4. Train at least one employee about domestic violence and assign that person responsible for responding to domestic violence issues in the workplace (e.g., safety and confidentiality)
5. Establish clear policies and protocols for security and reception staff. These policies should outline what the response to incidents of domestic violence should be, including how to call for emergency help, whom to notify within the company, and what to do if an employee has a protective order.
6. Consider showing the PBS video Breaking the Silence: Journeys of Hope, underwritten by Mary Kay Inc.
7. Consider flexibility in employee benefits and policies for employees who are victims of domestic violence.
8. The Family Violence Prevention Fund has information to help you develop a domestic violence policy.
9. You can heighten awareness among your employees by letting them know about the needs and activities of local shelters. You may wish to develop a worplace program supporting shelters, allowing them to offer victims in your communities more aid and support.
10. Set up a hamper to accept in-kind donations of office supplies, children's books, blankets, toys, or clothing. Consider volunteering one afternoon a week at your local shelter. Employees from your company can assist with painting, gardening, or repairs.