{"id":351807,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:03","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-in-the-workplace.html"},"modified":"2025-01-17T13:17:51","modified_gmt":"2025-01-17T18:17:51","slug":"domestic-violence-in-the-workplace","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence\/domestic-violence-in-the-workplace.html","title":{"rendered":"How Employers Can Help an Employee Experiencing Domestic Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How Employers Can Help an Employee Experiencing Domestic Violence<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Employers can play a crucial role in supporting employees experiencing domestic violence by implementing comprehensive Domestic Violence Workplace Policies. These policies should educate staff on recognizing signs of domestic abuse and provide a safe environment for affected employees. Key measures include enhanced security, confidential access to support resources, and special accommodations like flexible leave policies. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

While it may not be their duty, employers owe it to their staff to protect them from domestic abuse wherever possible. One way employers can help protect their employees is by developing a robust Domestic Violence Workplace Policy.<\/p>\r\n

Domestic violence can reach beyond the home and into the workplace. For instance, an abusive partner may follow their victim to work and look for an opportunity to attack. As much as it may seem like it isn\u2019t the employer\u2019s concern, all companies have an interest in their employees\u2019 well-being.<\/p>\r\n

Here, we will provide an overview of domestic violence in the workplace, including the warning signs of domestic violence. We will also discuss how to implement programs that support employees and offer support to DV victims.<\/p>\r\n

Why Should Employers Care About Workers Experiencing Domestic Violence?<\/h2>\r\n

All employers should want the best for their staff inside and outside the workplace. Not only is this the right thing to do, but having employees in an abusive relationship<\/a> can hurt a company\u2019s bottom line.<\/p>\r\n

Employees who suffer from domestic violence<\/a> may miss time from work due to physical injuries or mental health concerns. People suffering from intimate partner violence also try to hide the abuse from their coworkers and employers. This hurts their productivity and commitment to the job.<\/p>\r\n

Abuse victims with visible bruises or injuries may not return to work until they fully heal. This increase in absenteeism will negatively impact the employees’ productivity and their employer.<\/p>\r\n

For these reasons, employers should educate themselves on the best ways to maintain workplace safety and assist victims of domestic violence. By taking the right initiatives, employers can create a safe space for all employees and foster a workplace culture that allows for a supportive environment.<\/p>\r\n

How Domestic Violence Enters the Workplace<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The effects of domestic violence can hurt work productivity. These effects include the physical and emotional strain experienced by victims of domestic abuse. An employer or HR professional might notice that a victim of domestic abuse<\/a> has been late or racking up an unusual number of absences.<\/p>\r\n

People suffering from DV or sexual violence may miss important meetings or deadlines. They may frequently show up to work with unexplained injuries or bruises or request sick time.<\/p>\r\n

Domestic violence comes in many forms, including:<\/p>\r\n