We spend 2,080 hours with co-workers in the typical work year. We make lifelong friends and some of us even date colleagues and meet future spouses at work. We’re also likely to work with someone who is a victim or a perpetrator of domestic violence.
If we suspect a work colleague is being abused at home, should we pretend not to notice, since “it’s personal”? Or should we act?
According to SHRM, the national Society for Human Resource Management, we should act. The safety of the employee and the entire workplace could depend on it.
SHRM quotes Maya Raghu of the National Women’s Law Center in Washington, D.C.: “Domestic violence is a workplace issue, not just a ‘personal’ issue.” Domestic abuse is a crime being perpetrated against an employee. Moreover, it usually leads to missed days at work and lost productivity that affects a victim’s co-workers and potentially puts everyone’s safety at risk if the perpetrator shows up on the job.
How can you tell if a co-worker is being abused? You have reason for concern if you notice one or more of these symptoms:
- repeated personal calls that leave the employee upset
- strange bruises and unusual (for the employee) medical complaints
- increased absences or late arrivals to work or meetings
- sudden drops in productivity
- withdrawal from colleagues and work social situations
- strange reasons given for wearing long sleeves or sunglasses
- unexplained tearfulness
Before approaching your co-worker, remember that most victims of domestic abuse are embarrassed and afraid, or they may deny the abuse. You can describe your concerns to our 24-hour helpline at (317) 745-1496 and our team will offer advice on how to proceed.
You can best protect a victim by encouraging them to get help. If they don’t think certain behaviors are abuse, ask them to look at “Am I Being Abused?” on our website.
If you’re the employer
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act protect victims of domestic abuse and sexual harassment from discrimination at work. Learn the rules about what you as an employer can and cannot do when an employee or potential employee is a victim.
This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, pledge to change the environment at your workplace.
Sheltering Wings can provide in-service presentations for your staff and managers about what they can do to prevent and respond to abuse. We also have resource cards and information that you can place in restrooms, break rooms, locker rooms, and other areas. By actively educating your employees, you send a clear message that you will believe victims and are ready to help.
