About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience domestic violence, also called intimate partner violence (IPV), during their lifetime, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. IPV includes committing physical violence, psychological bullying or stalking by an intimate partner.
Domestic violence isn't limited to the home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that IPV can lead to injuries that keep employees from working, negatively affect productivity, and cause other effects that impact the worker's career and cost companies money. Victims of IPV often silently carry the physical and emotional scars into work, compromising their ability to communicate with colleagues.
"Two-thirds of victims lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from their abuse," said Gail Tiburzi Buck, co-founder of executive recruitment firm nextOpp Search in Charleston, S.C. "Domestic abuse still lives in the shadows, and there are so many misconceptions and stigmas attached to it."
How Companies Can Support Victims of Domestic Violence
SHRM | Oct 2022
When Domestic Violence Comes to Work
SHRM
Out From Behind Closed Doors
SHRM | Jul 2024
How do we help an employee we suspect is the victim of domestic violence?
How do we handle a situation when a married couple who works together have filed for divorce and one spouse has an order of protection against the other spouse?
SHRM HRQA
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Project
US Federal Government Initiatives
Ending Gender-Based Violence at Work and Beyond
DOL
The Application of Title VII and the ADA to Applicants or Employees Who Experience Domestic or Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
EEOC
HHS Strengthens Response to Domestic Violence through the New Office of Family Violence Prevention and Services
HHS
Office of Violence Against Women
DOJ
Additional Resources
Hotlines and Organizations
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
Resources by State on Violence Against Women
HHS Office on Women's Health
State Coalitions
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Futures Without Violence
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
National Network to End Domestic Violence
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Workplaces Respond to Domestic & Sexual Violence
Articles
Why Family and Domestic Violence Is a Workplace Issue
Harvard Business Review | Jan 2023
Hidden in plain sight: How to help employees struggling with domestic violence
HR Morning | Dec 2022
Domestic Violence in the Workplace
Center for Domestic Peace | Sep 2022
How Title IX Can Inform Private Employers' Response to Relationship Violence
Spilman | Jun 2022
Employer Tools and Resources
Domestic Violence Leave Laws by State
Paycor | Jun 2022
Protection Order Guide
Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence
What to Do When the Alleged Perpetrator is Your Employee
Though this resource is a few years old, it is still relevant and may be helpful.
Ogletree Deakins HRQA
Sample Policies
(Some provisions may be state-specific. Please consult with your organization's legal counsel to ensure compliance.)
Critical Personal Leave of Absence Policy
SHRM
Model Workplace Policy on Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking
Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence
Domestic Violence and the Workplace Model Policy and Toolkit
Cornell Law School
Global Domestic Violence & Abuse Policy
Unilever
Domestic Violence and the Workplace Policy
University at Buffalo
Domestic Violence in the Workplace Policy
SUNY Empire State College
Domestic Violence and the Workplace
State of Maryland
Domestic Violence Workplace Policy
State of Maine
Employee Domestic Violence Policy and Procedure Guidelines for Increasing Safety and Providing Support
Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center
SHRM Members' Survey
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