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The Domestic Violence Division
Domestic Violence in the Workplace
Message to Employers from the State's
Attorney
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Cook
County State's Attorney's Office is cooperating with hundreds
of other organizations, employers and unions to help the
victims of domestic violence.
If you have an employee who is a victim of domestic violence,
you can take steps to increase safety for the victim and
your workplace. This brochure is meant to help you do
that.
Our Office's Domestic Violence Division prosecutes domestic
violence cases to hold abusers accountable for their actions
while working to keep victims safe.
Our staff can provide information about the court process
as well as support and referral services. Take the time
to plan safety. Always report abuse to the police.
Richard A. Devine
Cook County State's Attorney's Office
Work to End Domestic Violence
Every year, hundreds of employers, organizations and unions
participate by placing articles about abuse in newsletters,
holding brown bag lunches, hosting community volunteer
efforts, and distributing educational materials.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is a pattern of assaults and controlling
behavior, including physical, sexual and psychological
attacks and economic control, that adults and adolescents
use against their intimate partners or family members.
Domestic violence can be lethal. It takes place in all
religions, ages, sexual orientations, educational backgrounds
and income levels. Most adult victims are women.
Domestic Violence:
It's a Business Issue
Domestic Violence is an important business issue that
cannot be ignored. The workplace is where many victims
spend at least eight hours a day. It's an ideal place
to get help. Domestic abuse affects employee health, well-being
and productivity. When employers face domestic violence
as it affects the workplace, they have the power to save
money - and save lives.
What is Domestic Violence in the Workplace?
Domestic violence doesn't always stay home. It can follow
victims to work. It can spill over into the workplace
when women are harassed by threatening phone calls, absent
because of injuries or less productive because of stress.
With one out of every three American women reporting physical
abuse by an intimate partner at some point, it is certain
that any mid- to large-sized company has an employee struggling
with domestic violence.
What Can Employers Do?
Supervisors are often among the first people in the workplace
to become aware that an employee is facing domestic violence.
If you think an employee may be abused, the next step
is to make referrals to either an in-house resource, such
as an Employee Assistance Program, or to external services,
such as a community domestic violence program.
Signs of Abuse
Does your employee or co-worker:
- have unexplained bruises or explanations that don't
seem to fit the injuries?
- seem distracted or have trouble concentrating?
- miss work often?
- receive repeated, upsetting phone calls during the
day?
- appear anxious, upset or depressed?
- fluctuate in the quality of her work for no apparent
reason?
Talking About Abuse
If you think an employee may be abused, you may want
to talk with that employee.
1. Let the employee know what you have observed:
"I've noticed the bruises you had last week and you
look upset and worried today."
2. Express concern that the employee might be abused
:
"I thought it was possible that you are being hurt
by someone and I am concerned about you."
3. Make a statement of support:
"No one deserves to be hit by someone else."
4. If an employee voluntarily discloses domestic violence
abuse let the employee know you are concerned. Keep
the information confidential, telling only those who
need to know, such as security. Adjust the employee's
schedule or workload for greater safety.
The Workplace Safety Plan
Assist employees to develop a workplace and personal
safety plan to reduce the risk of a violent situation
on the job.
Advise an employee dealing with abuse to:
- Obtain an order of protection and make sure that
it is current and on hand at all times.
- Include the address of the workplace on the order
- Provide a copy of the order of protection and a
photograph of the abuser to the reception area, police,
supervisor, Human Resources, Legal Department and
Security.
- Save threatening e-mail or voicemail messages. They
may be useful for legal proceedings.
- Review the safety of parking arrangements. Have
Building Security escort employee to car.
- Have calls screened, transfer harassing calls to
Security, and remove employee's name and number from
automated phone directories.
- Relocate employee's work space to a secure area.
- Rotate work schedule, workplace and assignments.
For more information, please contact:
The Cook County State's Attorney's Office
Domestic Violence Division
312/341-2866
Cook County Commission on Women's Issues
312/603-1104
National Workplace Resource Center on Domestic Violence
415/252-8900
Domestic Violence Division
1340 S. Michigan, Room 400
Chicago, IL 60605
312.341.2866
Fax: 312.341.2846
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