NCJ Number
202514
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2003 Pages: 104-109
Date Published
August 2003
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article provides guidelines for employers in the development of policies and procedures for addressing the situations of employees who are victims of domestic violence.
Abstract
Given that one out of three women will experience domestic violence in her life, any mid-size to large company is certain to have employees who are dealing with this problem daily. This inevitably will impact their productivity and pose security problems for the employer while the employee is at work. Employers should develop a policy that addresses this issue. It should define domestic violence, explain how an employee who is a victim can get assistance, and describe how the employer has taken steps to ensure a safe working environment. The policy should also define the roles of the director of security, the director of human resources, and employee supervisors. The policy can be disseminated to all employees through the employee handbook, brochures, a company-produced video, and employee training. The issue must be addressed at every level of the organization. This includes training supervisors to recognize the warning signs of domestic abuse. When abuse is suspected, supervisors should tactfully raise the issue with the employee. The situation should be addressed as soon as possible because of the tendency for domestic violence to escalate. Particular attention should be given to the patterns of abuse and the escalation of violence. Facts that should be ascertained by the employer are the status of the relationship between the victim and the abuser, the abuser's behavior patterns, the existence of orders of protection, any threats of suicide by the abuser, the possession of guns, substance abuse, and whether violence has previously been committed in a public place. Victims should be encouraged to develop a safety plan and discuss it with their children. Employees who screen those who enter the building should have knowledge of all domestic violence situations, copies of protection orders, and photographs of abusers.