| |
- Create a domestic abuse response team. Include in your team representatives from:
- Human Resources
- Loss Prevention/Security
- Legal
- Public Relations
- EAP
- Union
- Administrative
- Employees
- Train your response team. Family Crisis Services provides comprehensive training for workplace teams to help them understand the dynamics of domestic abuse, how abuse affects the workplace, and how to create an appropriate workplace response.
- Develop and implement a domestic violence policy. With team members input, create a domestic abuse policy that says a) we will provide a workplace free of threats, fear, and violence; b) we will respond and react to threats and potential violence; and c) we will support our employees to access resources to free themselves from violent situations. (Family Crisis Services can provide employers with a number of model domestic violence policies that have been implemented nationwide.)
- Develop and implement safety and security measures for your workplace. Security is a key to your workplace domestic abuse response plan. Define and understand safety planning and security measures for employees who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
- Provide comprehensive outreach to employees. Outreach should include:
- Your domestic abuse policy posted in a conspicuous area
- Family Crisis Services brochures available in restrooms, break rooms, and with Human Resource and EAP representatives
- Guest speakers/ "lunch and learns" on the topic of domestic violence
- Information in employee handbooks
- Local hotline numbers available
- New employee orientation on the subject of domestic abuse
- Participate at the community level. Bring other employers on board. Talk to your peers in the business community and encourage them to become a partner in this effort. Share information, policies, and best practices. Provide pro bono or in-kind donations to Family Crisis Services, host a fund-raising event, or donate money directly to support ending domestic abuse in our communities.
*Acknowledgements to Barbara Marlowe, Employers Against Domestic Violence, Mintz Levin, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 617.348.3027
|
