When Domestic Violence Comes to Work

While it may be called "domestic," violence between spouses or partners can be a very dangerous type of violence, and it can easily spill over into any workplace, including yours. Besides bringing danger to the workplace, it can also bring increased absenteeism and decreased productivity. Women are most frequently the victims, but men can also be abused.

Powerful forces such as embarrassment and realistic fear often make it difficult for victims to seek help. Before a specific incident surfaces, it is important to let employees know that competent, confidential help is available, and that victims will be treated with respect and concern. Work with your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to ensure that educational materials about domestic violence are readily available, and that employees all know how to access the EAP itself.

Possible signs of domestic violence include:

• Changes in behavior or work performance
• Preoccupation/lack of concentration
• Increasing or unexplained absences
• Harassing phone calls to the workplace
• Bruises or other injuries that are unexplained or come with explanations that just don't add up

If you, as a manager, observe these or other possible signs, you should not try to diagnose the problem, but you should talk with the employee about what you have observed and offer your support and concern. In a private setting, tell the employee what you have observed: "I noticed the bruises you had last week and you look upset and worried today." Express your 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." Express your support: "No one deserves to be hit by someone else." If the employee does not disclose violence or other problems, do not make further questions or speculations. But do point out the EAP is available for confidential assistance and that your door is open as well.

If the employee discloses a problem with domestic violence, resist any temptation to take charge of the employee's safety planning. There are risks on the path to a safe resolution, and well meaning advice can actually increase the employee's danger. It is essential that the employee receive advice from people with solid experience in the field. Refer the employee to the EAP, which can help in ways that you cannot and should not.

Most often, the EAP will provide the employee with support at work and also refer the employee to an advocacy organization that specializes in helping victims of violence. If the employee prefers not to talk with the EAP, an alternate resource is the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The hotline staff can provide advice and referral to local resources. Explain that the employee's disclosure to you is confidential, but in the case of a clear threat to the workplace, you and anybody else who knows would be obliged to seek help.

Once the employee begins working on a safety plan with qualified advice, offer your cooperation in working out the workplace components of the plan. This might involve temporary changes such as moving the employee to a more secure location or instituting a variable work schedule to make the employee less vulnerable to ambush. Your security office can help with this kind of planning, and in other ways as well, such as keeping copies of restraining orders and photos of the abuser at the guard station.

Be approachable, and let the employee know you are available to discuss work related issues such as needing leave for court appointments. If you think of potentially helpful options, present them, but do not pressure the employee to accept them. Show respect for the employee's decisions.

Remember the healing value of work. Victimization often separates people from their friends and family, and robs them of their self confidence. Having a chance to succeed, contribute, and be part of a team can be a real lifeline for the employee.

The Office of Personnel Management's handbook is online, Responding to Domestic Violence: Where Federal Employees Can Find Help.