Domestic Violence and Your Organization

OutSolve’s EEO colleague, Toni Ahl, is an occasional contributor to our blog. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to Toni and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of OutSolve or its employees.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence impacts not only families but also the workplace. Domestic violence affects all groups of employees regardless of their races, national origins, religions, genders, ages, and disabilities. Domestic violence does not exclude individuals due to their education or socio-economic status.

Why do employers need to be aware of issues related to domestic violence? Even if the victim of domestic violence leaves the abusive relationship and seeks help at a shelter, many times they still go to work. And, the abusers are aware of where the victim works. Even if the abusers are unable to locate the victim at a shelter, they may be able to find them at their places of employment. This can create the possibility of a violent confrontation at the workplace endangering not only the victim but other employees too.

Victims of domestic violence may be absent more due to the abuse their are experiencing at home. They may not want to come to work if their injuries are visible because they do not want to answer questions about their injuries. Or, they might be injured so severely that they are not able to get up and go to work. Attendance is a problem for all employers since attendance is necessary for an organization to achieve its goals.

What can employers do to neutralize the effect of domestic violence in the workplace? Employers may want to have a policy about domestic violence so employees feel comfortable to report the abuse and get the help they need. The policy may also address security issues to be put into place if there is a threat of violence at the work site. Having an employee assistance program (EAP) for employees and disseminating information about the program to employees so they know that there is help for them through the program for domestic violence is another great option to lessen the effects of domestic violence at the work site.

Victims of domestic violence can be male or female. Regardless of their sexes, victims may need assistance. Making sure that employees know they can go to the employer for help is paramount to assisting employees with whatever they choose to do in the situation. Just knowing that they won't be judged could be all it takes for the victim of abuse to come forward for help.

Being aware of the issue and being able to offer assistance could be the beginning of assisting an employee to leave an abusive situation. Perhaps having a program this month about domestic violence would bring awareness to the issue. If your organization has any questions, feel free to reach out to me at eeoadvantage@gmail.com.