Domestic Violence Affects the Workplace

By Matt Eschler, MainStreetBusinessJournal.com

Domestic violence doesn’t stay home when its victims go to work. Many business leaders agree that domestic violence is a problem that affects their workplaces.

Fifty-seven percent of senior corporate executives believe domestic violence is a major problem in society. One-third think this problem has a negative impact on their bottom line profits, and 40 percent said they were personally aware of employees and other individuals affected by domestic violence.

An employee harassed by threatening phone calls, absent because of injuries, or less productive due to extreme stress are examples of the toll domestic violence can take in the workplace.

A study of domestic violence survivors found that 74 percent of employed battered women were harassed by their partner while they were at work.

All businesses with employees need to address the potential of domestic violence at work. By implementing workplace policies, training employees and managers, and supporting community efforts to end domestic violence employers can help increase workplace safety and workplace satisfaction.

Domestic violence issues in the workplace cannot be remedied by firing employees. The first step is to make all employees aware that there is support for victims, and to know what to look for.

There are some telltale signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse. If you witness a number of the following warning signs in a friend, family member, or co-worker, you can reasonably suspect domestic abuse.

- Frequent injuries, with the excuse of “accidents”

- Frequent and sudden absences from work or school

- Frequent, harassing phone calls from the partner

- Fear of the partner, references to the partner’s anger

- Personality changes (e.g. an outgoing person becomes withdrawn)

- Excessive fear of conflict

- Submissive behavior, lack of assertiveness

- Isolation from friends and family

- Insufficient resources to live (money, credit cards, car)

- Depression, crying, low self-esteem