Domestic Violence in the Workplace

While domestic violence seems like it would be confined to the home, its effects can reach beyond the home and into the workplace. For instance, an abusive partner may follow their victim to their workplace and wait for an opportunity to attack. Employers and employees should educate themselves on the best ways to reach out to the victims of domestic violence, while ensuring that it doesn't occur in the first place.

The following is an overview of domestic violence in the workplace, including tips on how to protect your employees.

How Domestic Violence Enters the Workplace

The physical and emotional strain victims of domestic abuse experience can have a negative impact on their productivity and general mood at work. An employer might notice that a victim of domestic abuse has been late or absent from work, or has missed important meetings or deadlines. The victim may attend work with unexplained cuts or bruises, or request sick time too frequently.

In such cases, employers should discreetly ask the employee if everything is alright at home, and perhaps refer the employee to professional counseling. Furthermore, federal and state laws prevent employers from penalizing the victims of domestic violence for missing work.

While a victim may leave home and go to a shelter or change their address, the abuser usually knows where the victim works. Abusers may stalk their victims to their workplaces and harass them there. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), employers are required to have adequate security at their offices and take other reasonable steps to prevent physical or verbal harassment in the workplace.

Protecting Your Employees From Domestic Violence in the Workplace

Here are some general steps to take in order to protect your workers from domestic violence in the workplace:

• Educate your employees regarding the signs and symptoms of domestic violence.
• Have human resources compile a list of local resources for domestic violence victims, including the names and contact information of local psychotherapists, urgent care clinics, family law attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and domestic violence shelters.
• Increase security, especially around the entrances and exits of the building, by placing security cameras close to doors and in the parking lot, issuing ID badges, and hiring security guards.

If one of your employees is clearly a victim of domestic violence:

• Make sure that employee has names and contact information for people that can help them.
• Have the employee designate a code word so that they can alert their coworkers to danger.
• Move that employee’s workstation away from first floor doors or windows.
• Organize a carpool so that employee is not alone on their commute to and from work.
• Be flexible with that employee’s time off -- they may need it for court appearances, or to separate from the abusive partner.

Facing Domestic Violence in the Workplace? Get Help From a Lawyer

Domestic violence is typically confined to one's home, but can sometimes spill over to other domains, such as when a married couple works together or when the abuser follows the victim to work. Getting help is important. If you're the victim of domestic violence in the workplace, speak with an experienced family law attorney near you today.