155 Cases of Domestic Violence Assaults in the Workplace analysed to reveal trends and factors leading to the crime.

To increase the awareness of how domestic violence impacts the workplace
and to prepare managers, supervisors and front-line employees
with the tools and resources to recognize, address and respond
to incidents and issues within their organizations.

Identify the warning signs

Physical indications- Attempts to hide injuries
Job performance issues
How is their behavior?
What is the partner’s behavior - does it appear controlling?

Find the right time and place – privacy considerations
The victim looking for help after incident
Response if issue is denied

Reflective listening: Confirm to their concerns and feelings
Frequent and common mistakes
Do not judge them if they choose to remain or return to the abuser
Do not try to convince them to leave unprepared

Employee Assistance Program (if applicable)
National Hotline  to located local services
1-800 799-SAFE

Secure the workplace

Follow your Workplace Violence protocol (if applicable) and make a report
Develop of safety plan
Work with local law enforcement, community services and/or security consultant
Develop security plans with the victim

Support

Allow for time off to attend to medical, counseling and legal matters
Make changes to beneficiary information and wage deposit allocation
Provide emotional support and encouragement
Adjust work load to through difficult times

What can an Employer can do for their Organization?

1. Adopt policy and protocol

1. Assemble an interdisciplinary team including but not limited to human resources (including employee assistance programs if applicable), upper administration, legal counsel, security, and union (if applicable) to determine exact stipulations of the policy and protocol.
2. If possible, adapt existing policies to include domestic violence components. Or implementing a new and separate domestic violence policy to provide a more comprehensive approach and make a stronger statement to employees.
3. It is strongly suggested to have a general workplace violence policy that would work in conjunction with the domestic violence policy.

2. Create and foster awareness and a supportive environment

1. Establish a clear and strong message that domestic violence victims will be supported and perpetrators will be held account 
2. Announce when the domestic violence policy is completed and available for all employees to read.
3. Include educational/informative articles about domestic violence in your company newsletter and list community domestic violence resources.
4. Create or obtain posters with help line numbers to display in restrooms and break rooms.
5. Offer brown bag informational lunches, inviting the local service provider to facilitate.

3. Educate employees

Provide training covering issues such as,

1. The Domestic Violence in the Workplace Policy
2. How to recognizing warning signs and assist possible victims of abuse
3. The importance of and how to report concerns of threats to the workplace
4. The dynamics of domestic violence
5. Provide appropriate training to various levels of responsibility and staff

• Crisis Management Teams
• Supervisors
• Employees

4. Work with your local domestic violence service provider

1. Develop contacts with local domestic violence service providers.

• Professionals in domestic violence may be willing to be a resource to your EAP, working with you to support employees who seek help internally.
• They may be willing to provide or assist in-service training programs to your managers and employees on how to recognize and respond to victims and batterers in the workplace.

2. Support local agencies

• Provide financial assistance. Most are non-profit organizations with contributions being tax-deductible.
• In-kind donations are often needed, in the form of computers, office supplies, food, toys, clothing, and shelter.
• Consultation and other services are also needed: legal expertise, accounting assistance, printing, and strategic planning.
• Offer to include their staff in your professional development programs.
• Encourage and support employees to volunteer with community agencies.
• If you are retail or service operation, coordinate with local businesses to host a "Shop to End Domestic Violence Day" with a portion of the proceeds to support community agencies.

Seminars, Workshops and Conferences Delivered

Harnett County with S.A.F.E., Inc.

Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence, Chicago

Sampson County with UCARE

Moore County with Friend to Friend

Richmond County with Womenfolk Unlimited

Central Carolina Community College with Haven

North Carolina Public Health Alliance for
Prevention of Violence Against Women

Statewide Summit
Chapel Hill with NC Attorney General’s Office, NC Coalition against Domestic Violence
and the NC Domestic Violence Commission

Granville County with Families Living Violence Free

Rockingham County with HELP, Inc.

Winston-Salem with Family Services

Lee County with Haven

Montgomery County with Crisis Care