There are 60,000 incidents of on-the-job
violence each year, and most victims know their attackers intimately.
(Chicago Sun Times, 9/30/96)
What to Do . . .
If you are experiencing
domestic violence:
Notify your supervisor and the
human relations manager about the circumstances regarding
your situation.
Discuss options available to
you, e.g., scheduling, safety precautions, employee/family
assistance benefits.
Submit a recent photo of the
perpetrator to your safety manager in the event of a confrontation
at work.
Request that all information
be treated with confidence to provide for your safety and
well-being.
If you are the co-worker
of someone experiencing domestic violence:
If you suspect a co-worker is
suffering abuse, do not directly confront her/him since it
is important for an individual to self-disclose for her/his
own safety and well-being.
Express concern and a willingness
to listen and be supportive if needed.
Offer support by listening and
assisting; when an individual is ready, she/he will confide.
If a co-worker confides in you,
encourage communication with the human resources manager and
her/his supervisor.
If you witness an incident at
work, contact your safety manager or law enforcement immediately.
Make sure that the incident is documented.
If you are the supervisor
or manager of an employee who is experiencing domestic violence:
Be aware of unusual absences
or behavior and take note of bruises or emotional distress.
Contact the human resources
manager to discuss concerns, resources available and ways
to support the employee, e.g., safety planning, employee assistance
counseling, family resource referrals, flexible scheduling,
security measures.
Be familiar with community resources
and referrals.
Maintain confidentiality at
all times; be sensitive to the seriousness of the situation.
Discuss who is appropriate to
speak with the employee; agree on all forms of communication,
e.g., providing the safety manager with a photo if there is
a risk at work.
Assist the employee in documenting
all incidents with the batterer that occur in the workplace.
Take action against domestic
violence by encouraging employees to volunteer and by providing
financial or in-kind support to your local domestic violence
programs.
