Domestic Violence & The Workplace
Domestic violence is not limited to the confines of a victim’s home: it affects her whether her abuser is present or not. According to several studies (Domestic Violence: An Occupational Impact Study and Measuring the Costs of Domestic Violence Against Women and the Cost Effectiveness of Interventions), up to 75% of employed domestic violence victims face harassment from an intimate partner while at work.
Effects of domestic violence in the workplace include:
- fear for safety
- fear of losing job
- increased time off
- increased tardiness
- decrease in work quality and productivity
- increased medical costs to help victim with physical injuries and/or psychological therapy
It is critical that the victim’s employer know of any current protective order or other court order that prohibits the abuser from contacting her at work, to ensure that the abuser does not enter the workplace and compromise the safety of the victim and her co-workers. This is especially important in situations where the victim and the abuser work in the same place and/or for the same company.
If you are in an abusive relationship, you may want to consider confiding in someone you trust at work. Many employers now have policies to assist domestic abuse victims with time off to take care of counseling or legal needs, increased workplace protections, transfer to another site, changing work hours, transitional housing, counseling services, and more. To learn about your company’s policies on domestic violence, contact your Human Resources Department. If your company does not have a current policy, contact JWI.
Information contained on this website should not be construed as legal advice. Read full disclaimer.