Domestic violence in the workplace

Oftentimes when we think of domestic violence, we think of something bad that happens in the home behind closed doors that doesn't affect anyone or anything outside of the very home where the incident took place. While domestic violence is often kept private and not openly discussed, it inevitably impacts other areas of a survivor's everyday life, including their work. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in every four women and one in 10 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. The Department of Labor reports that survivors of domestic violence lose nearly 8 million days of paid work per year in the U.S., resulting in a $1.8 billion loss in productivity for employers. The majority of our services at Open Arms deal with crisis intervention and are reactive to immediate situations; however, we also want our community to know that we are here as a resource for education and awareness — specifically in the workplace. We encourage employers of all sizes to create a culture of awareness that includes a supportive environment in which employees feel comfortable discussing domestic violence and seeking assistance. This is crucial to helping survivors seek the support they need, but also gives coworkers a better understanding of what a survivor is going through and how to help them. The workplace can be a safe space for survivors and provide a means to financial security and freedom to leave an abusive relationship, while also allowing survivors to find allies and resources. Open Arms offers free community workplace education. This program gives employers and employees the tools they need to know what to do when they encounter someone who is experiencing domestic violence. The program also introduces Open Arms as a valuable local community resource and point of contact for those who are affected by domestic violence. The presentation takes approximately one hour to complete and is customizable to meet each workplace's needs. Presentation topics include: · Domestic violence and sexual violence explanations · Impact on survivors · Warning signs in the workplace · Strategies on how to intervene in the workplace · Tips on how to support survivors Employers can make a real difference and ensure all of their employees feel supported and have the resources they need to be safe, healthy and productive. To schedule a workplace presentation, contact us at 419-420-9261 and ask for our prevention coordinator, or email openarmsfindlay@yahoo.com. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, our advocates are here to help and are available 24/7 at 419-422-4766 or via text Monday-Friday 10am-4pm at 419-909-3337. Services are free and confidential. Ritz is executive director of Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services.