The Impact of Domestic Violence on the Workplace and How Employers Can Respond
Domestic violence costs the United States economy an estimated $8.3 billion each year, which includes medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity. Nearly 8 million paid workdays are lost as a result of domestic violence, the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. The subject is a difficult one to discuss, though it is important to recognize that domestic violence is not just a private, family matter. The effects of the violence, in addition to the violence itself can, and does spill into the workplace.
While it is likely that as employers you may know someone who has experienced domestic violence or even someone who has perpetrated violence against …show more content…
• Domestic violence is not just about physical attacks. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors that individuals (men or women) use against their intimate partners to establish power and control.
• It may include physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, or economic abuse, as well as the use of threats, seclusion, pet abuse, utilizing children as pawns, and a range of other behaviors to maintain power over one’s partner through violence, fear, and intimidation.
• Domestic violence is not a disagreement, a marital dispute or even an anger management problem. It is abusive, disrespectful, and hurtful actions that one partner chooses to use against their partner.
• Domestic and dating violence is never the fault of the victim. The perpetrator is completely responsible for their behavior, though they frequently blame their partner.
• It can happen to anyone at any time.
Recognizing the signs of a …show more content…
How to help
• Offer to listen without judgment and provide a safe and supportive environment.
• Don’t try to rescue your employee. Advising a domestic violence victim to leave may put them (and their children) at risk. Instead encourage them to work with your local certified domestic violence center, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT), to develop a safety plan.
• Follow, or create, workplace violence policies and procedures. If you find that there are no existing violence policies and procedures, take the time to put policies in writing. Written policies will help you to respond appropriately, assess risks, and take action.
• Partner with your local certified domestic violence center for educational presentations and resources for your
Domestic violence costs the United States economy an estimated $8.3 billion each year, which includes medical care, mental health services, and lost productivity. Nearly 8 million paid workdays are lost as a result of domestic violence, the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs. The subject is a difficult one to discuss, though it is important to recognize that domestic violence is not just a private, family matter. The effects of the violence, in addition to the violence itself can, and does spill into the workplace.
While it is likely that as employers you may know someone who has experienced domestic violence or even someone who has perpetrated violence against …show more content…
• Domestic violence is not just about physical attacks. Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors that individuals (men or women) use against their intimate partners to establish power and control.
• It may include physical, emotional, sexual, spiritual, or economic abuse, as well as the use of threats, seclusion, pet abuse, utilizing children as pawns, and a range of other behaviors to maintain power over one’s partner through violence, fear, and intimidation.
• Domestic violence is not a disagreement, a marital dispute or even an anger management problem. It is abusive, disrespectful, and hurtful actions that one partner chooses to use against their partner.
• Domestic and dating violence is never the fault of the victim. The perpetrator is completely responsible for their behavior, though they frequently blame their partner.
• It can happen to anyone at any time.
Recognizing the signs of a …show more content…
How to help
• Offer to listen without judgment and provide a safe and supportive environment.
• Don’t try to rescue your employee. Advising a domestic violence victim to leave may put them (and their children) at risk. Instead encourage them to work with your local certified domestic violence center, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, Inc. (ACT), to develop a safety plan.
• Follow, or create, workplace violence policies and procedures. If you find that there are no existing violence policies and procedures, take the time to put policies in writing. Written policies will help you to respond appropriately, assess risks, and take action.
• Partner with your local certified domestic violence center for educational presentations and resources for your