Creating Safe Spaces at Work for Survivors
The impact of domestic violence reaches beyond the home and can even extend to the workplace. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, “A total of eight million days of paid work are lost by survivors of domestic violence each year… A survey by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence found that 64% of respondents who were victims or survivors reported that relationship abuse impacted their ability to work. 40% said their abusive partner harassed them at work via phone and in person.”
Employers have a unique opportunity to offer support to employees affected by domestic violence to help them feel safe, valued, and cared for. Here are some tips to make your workplace a safe space for survivors.
Your company can make an impact for domestic violence survivors! Whether you volunteer as a group at Mosaic House, host an in-kind donation drive, or request a speaker, you can make a difference. Contact us at development@mosaicservices.org to learn more.
Approach Gently
If you suspect someone may be experiencing domestic violence, approach them privately and express concern in a non-judgmental way.
Offer support, not solutions. The goal is to provide a safe space for the survivor to open up, not to solve their problem for them. Avoid pressuring the survivor to leave or take immediate action.
Create a Safety Plan
Create a safety plan with affected employees. This could include changing locations, preparing exit strategies, providing parking close to the building, changing their emergency contact, or ensuring that their contact information remains confidential.
Enhance workplace security, such as informing reception or security teams about specific threats and ensuring restricted access for non-employees.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Offer EAPs that provide counseling services so employees affected by domestic violence can access specialized mental health services.
EAP programs often include legal services that can help employees navigate the complexities of domestic violence cases, such as protective orders or custody issues.
Policies and Procedures
Ensure the workplace has clear anti-violence and anti-harassment policies in place. Employees should be aware of their rights and protections against any form of violence or harassment.
Offer job protection for employees who may need to take time off due to domestic violence-related issues, ensuring they feel secure in their employment.
Flexibility
Survivors may have trouble focusing on tasks and deadlines due to the stress caused by domestic violence. Respond to a decline in work performance with grace and assign tasks to other employees as needed.
Offer remote work or adjusted hours to for affected employees. Be flexible with PTO to allow survivors time to handle legal appointments, court hearings, or medical care.
Trainings and Workshops
Provide training to managers and HR personnel on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and how to respond appropriately and sensitively.
Invite a local domestic violence agency such as Mosaic to share information and present to employees.
Confidentiality
Ensure that all conversations about domestic violence are confidential and that employees feel safe discussing their needs or reporting any concerns about domestic violence.
Offer private spaces where employees can discuss their situation with HR or supervisors without fear of being overheard.
Raise Awareness
Have information about local domestic violence shelters, resources, and hotlines readily available. Host information sessions, distribute materials, and share resources.
Organize awareness campaigns to educate employees about domestic violence. Raising awareness about domestic violence empowers survivors to speak out and seek help.
Additional Resources
A project that provides resources to address domestic violence in the workplace, offering policies and guidance to support employees affected by domestic violence.
This organization offers a toolkit for employers on creating workplace safety plans, awareness programs, and HR training focused on domestic violence in the workplace.
