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Workplace Domestic Violence
Workplace violence has not been openly discussed and has traditionally been viewed by management as an annoyance. But it is more than an annoyance. Work place violence kills people, and those who manage to survive it are never the same again.
Workplace homicide has tripled in the last decade and has become the leading cause of workplace death for women and the second leading cause of workplace death for men. In fact, murder and other violent crimes have escalated to the point that the U. S. Department of Justice recently proclaimed the workplace the most dangerous place in America.
What this tells us is that domestic violence is a problem that does not disappear when women leave home and enter the workplace. Perpetrators come to the workplace searching for the intended victim because they are often barred, through legal injunctions or protection orders, from going to the victim's home.
The 1990 Bureau of National Affairs report estimates the cost of domestic violence to U. S. companies at 3 - 5 billion dollars annually. This is due to lost work time, increased health care costs, higher turnover and lower productivity.
Every employer should be aware of the increasing reports of domestic violence but more importantly be prepared to become a partner in making the workplace safe for all employees. The size of the company may determine the extent of the domestic violence prevention policy but every company should have a safety policy that recognizes the potential for domestic violence in the workplace. The success of the policy will depend on the continual training on the issue and the continual sensitizing of employees at all levels of the company.
The goal of a domestic violence prevention plan is the reduction and the eventual prevention of domestic violence, particularly in the workplace. A further goal is to positively affect the corporate bottom line by creating recommendations for violence-free work environments.
Implementation of a domestic violence prevention plan will positively affect the fiscal reality for the company by making employees more productive because they feel safe. It will effectively reduce absenteeism and create a more stable work force because the company is viewed as more responsive to the needs of its employees.
There are resources to help employers prevent and respond effectively to violence in their workplace. The Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) has initiated a project on Domestic Violence and the Workplace. The purpose of this project is to educate public, private and non-profit employers and employees about domestic violence and the workplace through policies, trainings and educational materials. The Network wants to provide onsite training for both employers and employees through the state of Maryland.
MNADV may be reached via email at mnadv@aol.com, telephone: 301-352-4574, or fax: 301-809-0422.
In addition, an employer manual developed by Montgomery County Police Department is available through this web site. This manual is designed to help companies develop a safety policy that recognizes the potential for domestic violence in the workplace. It helps companies be part of a partnership to end domestic violence.
Information, policies and procedures included in the manual are:
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Workplace Violence
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Definition of Domestic Violence
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Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
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Sample Company Policy
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Role of The Company
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Role of Employee Assistance Program
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Role of Security/First Level Contact Person
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Role of Supervisory Personnel/Human Relations Personnel
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Suggested Role For All Employees
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Suggestions For The Domestic Violence Victim
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For Companies That Do Not Have An Employee Assistance Program
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Suggestions For Supervisory Personnel/Human Relations Personnel
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Personalized Safety Plan
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Domestic Violence Safety Plan with a Protection Order
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Glossary
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County Resources
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Statewide Resource
