GET THE FACTS
Keep Your Coworkers Safe
from the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence
Partner violence can happen to anyone — including our coworkers. It's a serious matter, and the numbers reveal a harsh reality.
According to a survey released in October 2005 by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence:
- 21% of full-time working adults in the United States are victims of domestic violence
- 64% of these victims reported that their ability to work was "significantly" to "somewhat" affected by domestic violence
- 44% of workers were personally aware of a situation where domestic violence had impacted the workplace, and 31% of those felt the need to "cover" for that coworker
- 38% were concerned for their own safety
What to look for
The signs that someone you supervise or work with is a victim of partner violence may be obvious, but they aren't always. You should be concerned if you notice a coworker:
- Needs increased supervision
- Is often tardy, absent or needs to leave early
- Has a sudden or sustained drop in productivity
- Is unable to concentrate
- Appears distracted, troubled or depressed
- Frequently has bruises or injuries
- Is unusually quiet or withdrawn
- Undergoes a change in appearance and self-esteem
- Receives harassing phone calls, faxes or visits
How you can help at work
Partner violence can negatively impact the workplace on many levels, and not just through decreased productivity. It can affect morale, employee safety and relationships between coworkers. Don't ignore the problem, and don't feel helpless if you observe a coworker in trouble. Instead, educate yourself and others on partner violence, and know what to do to help a coworker who is in a dangerous situation.
- Understand your company's policies on partner violence, and know who to report it to.
- Alert appropriate personnel if you believe that a fellow employee is a victim of partner abuse.
- Be a concerned listener if someone confides that he or she is a victim of abuse or is an abuser. Encourage the person to seek help, including from the appropriate personnel. Stay supportive and keep talks confidential (though use your best judgment if you think someone is in serious danger).
- Ask your company how you can help, for example, by putting together a safety plan and providing a resource list for all employees.
Managers have a particular responsibility to look after employees. If you see someone on your staff showing visible warning signs, let the person know you're concerned. Urge him or her to reach out to a trained professional for support, and refer this worker to the appropriate personnel — who you should also approach for guidance on the problem. Be sure you're not judgmental and that you protect the person's privacy. You can't force someone to get help; you can only be encouraging.
If your company doesn't have a policy or designated personnel to handle partner violence, you can seek out local social services for assistance.
More ways to take action
Your workplace isn't the only place you can offer help. You can support your local partner-violence organizations by:
- Volunteering at a local shelter or community group for a non-counseling job
- Donating clothing, toiletries, furniture, toys or office supplies to a local shelter
- Donating time and supplies to paint, repair or fix up a local shelter
- Organizing a fund-raiser for a local shelter
For more information, contact the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence.
