Domestic violence can reach into workplace

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Incidents of domestic violence can surge over the holidays in line with increased alcohol consumption, money worries and other stresses, according to a news release from the Better Business Bureau. Some women, children and families will confront the horrors of domestic violence for the first time. |ret||ret||tab|

For others, it has become a familiar refrain.|ret||ret||tab|

Regardless of such abuse is experienced personally, it's important to realize that its ramifications extend beyond the household, into the workplace. Employers and businesses that ignore the nature and prevalence of domestic violence could place the safety of their employees and workplace at risk. |ret||ret||tab|

The Better Business Bureau offers the following information to business owners and managers to help them support employees who are victims of domestic violence and keep a safe, productive work force.|ret||ret||tab|

Studies have shown that billions of dollars are lost each year in health care costs due to domestic violence. |ret||ret||tab|

In addition, 96 percent of employed domestic violence victims experience problems at work related to the abuse and 30 percent lose their jobs, in part due to domestic violence.|ret||ret||tab|

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Consequences|ret||ret||tab|

Victims of domestic violence may be stalked by their batterers at work, miss work due to injuries caused by domestic violence or may need time off to obtain legal relief, such as a protection order to keep themselves and their children safe. Each of these actions can profoundly affect the productivity and the morale of a work force.|ret||ret||tab|

Abusers who attempt to harass, threaten or injure victims at work can at the very least cause disruption in the workplace. |ret||ret||tab|

In a worst case scenario, abusers can create a dangerous environment for the victim, co-workers, clients and the general public. |ret||ret||tab|

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Employer liability, response|ret||ret||tab|

Domestic violence may also result in vandalism and damage to business property. |ret||ret||tab|

Employer liability may become an issue if employers, after having been alerted to the possibility of workplace violence, fail to take adequate steps to protect employees.|ret||ret||tab|

The good news is that there are effective ways to support your employees who are survivors of domestic violence; ways that will also increase productivity and safety in your workplace, at little cost.|ret||ret||tab|

For instance, the adoption of a domestic violence workplace policy or the inclusion of domestic violence in existing policies can go a long way to ensuring that the staff comes to management when they need assistance, which can provide the company with an opportunity to keep the workplace safe and minimize productivity losses. |ret||ret||tab|

Employers can also provide security and reception staff with clear instructions outlining what to do in response to incidents of domestic violence. Appropriate training can be provided to a designated employee who can then take responsibility for responding to domestic violence issues in the workplace, such as safety and confidentiality.|ret||ret||tab|

Additional information including the "top 10 things employers can do about dom-estic violence" is available on the Web site of the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic Violence at www.abanet.org/domviol/topten.html.|ret||ret||tab|

The Commission also offers a publication titled, "A Guide for Employers: Domestic Violence in the Workplace" to help employers understand and recognize domestic violence, address safety and confidentiality issues, respond to violent incidents, develop training programs and response protocols, use employee benefits to minimize the impact of domestic violence, and recognize and prevent corporate liability. |ret||ret||tab|

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