Domestic Violence: Workplace Affects
Domestic violence often follows a victim to work. The U.S. Department of Justice once reported that 13,000 acts of domestic violence occurred at the workplace in a year. Both victims and abusers may experience decreased productivity as a result of problems associated with domestic violence, such as legal and medical problems.
WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO?
There are a number of ways that employers can combat domestic violence, assist employees in need, and improve productivity at the workplace.
- Increase awareness of domestic violence in your workplace. Invite speakers to address employees and inform them about domestic violence and how it can affect the workplace. Local domestic violence programs may offer educational seminars free of charge. Click below to find the local domestic violence shelter nearest you.
- Make information about local domestic violence and sexual assault programs and other resources available at work.
- Provide support and assistance to victims of domestic violence. Be flexible with work hours and locations. Offer to screen calls, provide escorts to and from the vehicle, or grant additional leave to handle legal, medical, or family concerns.
- Set up an emergency fund for victims of abuse.
- If an employee has been abusive, state that the abusive behavior is wrong. Make information available on batterer intervention programs.
- Encourage employees to utilize Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) when help is needed.
Local Domestic Violence Shelters
