for professionals

What affects employees affects their employers.

With nearly one in three women reporting abuse at some time in their lives, domestic violence is likely to affect almost every workplace. The good news is that employers who address it can provide real help to victims and reduce the associated risks.

Domestic violence affects the workplace when an abuser harasses an employee who is on the job, when a victim is absent because of injuries or less productive due to stress or when violence occurs at the worksite. Helping employees who are experiencing abuse can be a real challenge for human resource professionals and managers, but it is a challenge worth meeting. Just as employers deal with substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, disability and sexual harassment, they can address domestic violence. Doing so begins with a strategic plan and written policies and procedures and with a real commitment to offer support and resources to those in need.

How does domestic violence affect business?

Domestic violence costs businesses a lot of money in increased health care costs, lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. The Bureau of National Affairs estimates these losses at $3 billion to $5 billion annually. In addition, there is a risk of violence at the workplace, to the victim and co-workers. The abuser's stalking, threats, harassment, intimidation and physical violence can follow a victim to work.

Consider the following:

1 in 6
women has been a victim of rape or attempted rape at some time in her life.

85%
of victims of intimate partner violence are women.

29,000
acts of rape or sexual assualt occur in the workplace each year.

66%
of corporate leaders identify domestic violence as a major social issue.

Why should you get involved?

State and federal occupational safety and health laws require employers to maintain a safe work environment. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) has a "general duty" clause that requires employers to provide a safe and secure workplace free from recognized hazards. There is a corresponding similar state law provision.