NCJ Number
200002
Date Published
October 2001
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This report presents a model policy for employers on how to respond to domestic violence issues in the workplace.
Abstract
The policy presented in this report may be adapted by businesses and organizations that have a need to respond to issues of domestic violence in the workplace. The model policy was developed by the Delaware Corporate Citizen Initiative in collaboration with the Family Violence Prevention Fund and the National Workplace Resource Center On Domestic Violence. The purpose of the policy is to increase awareness of domestic violence and to provide guidelines for employees and management regarding domestic violence and its effects on the workplace. Businesses may adapt the policy or use it in its entirety by simply placing their business or organization name in the blanks within the document. The sample document contains a purpose, definitions, and policies that include guidelines for early intervention and education prevention strategies, leave options for employees who are experiencing threats of violence, procedures for employees with performance issues related to domestic violence, and disciplinary procedures for employees who commit acts or threats of domestic violence. Also contained in this model policy are guidelines regarding assistance for victims, which include general guidelines and specific guidelines for managers and supervisors, human resource professionals, employee assistance professionals, occupational health professionals, security service providers, and employees who are victims of domestic violence. The policy includes guidelines concerning the options open to employees who are perpetrators or victims of domestic violence. Appendix A of the model policy presents components of a workplace safety plan and Appendix B presents a list of available resources and services related to domestic violence.