Stopping Domestic Violence, in and through, the Workplace
GOOGLE DOCS FOLDER – ppts, pdf’s and more
Adopt a policy and protocol
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.
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.
It is strongly suggested to have a general workplace violence policy that would work in conjunction with the domestic violence policy.
Create and foster awareness and a supportive environment
Establish a clear and strong message that domestic violence victims will be supported and perpetrators will be held account.
Announce when the domestic violence policy is completed and available for all employees to read.
Include educational/informative articles about domestic violence in your company newsletter and list community domestic violence resources.
Create or obtain posters with help line numbers to display in restrooms and break rooms.
Offer brown bag informational lunches, inviting the local service provider to facilitate.
Educate employees
Provide training covering issues such as,
The Domestic Violence in the Workplace Policy
How to recognizing warning signs and assist possible victims of abuse
The importance of and how to report concerns of threats to the workplace
The dynamics of domestic violence
Provide appropriate training to various levels of responsibility and staff
Crisis Management Teams
Supervisors
Employees
Work with your local domestic violence service provider
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.
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.
Resources
- ABA Commission on Domestic Violence
American Bar Association- Laws, Resources, Legislation - The Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center
- Ramsey County PH- Workplace Resource
Training program, awareness material and more - Legal Momentum: Workplace Resources
Legal help – Laws, Resources, Legislation - Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence -Coalition of employers- very helpful and extensive resource listing
- FVPF – Workplace Resources
Place to order their training materials, Free videos and more - Family Violence Prevention Fund: Programs: Workplace: Workplace Resources
- Project Survive – The Domestic Violence and Employment Project
- Legal advice, training and technical assistance in employment rights
- RSS Feed – “dv cases” via Peace at Work – List of cases of DV assaults at work – updated daily