Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month and it’s a good time to review resources and understanding
in the workplace. Per the National Domestic Violence Hotline, an average of 24 people per minute are victims of violence by an intimate partner in the US; more than 12 million per year. In addition, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have been victims of physical violence by a partner in their lifetime.
From a work perspective, the organization reports that 44% of full-time employees experienced the effect of domestic violence in their workplace and many report an effect on their ability to work. The Brain Injury Association of America reports that more than half of domestic violence survivors suffer single or repeated brain injuries which often go under-diagnosed and under-treated.
Odds are, someone in your organization is, or has been, affected by domestic violence.
Do you or your staff know where to turn if you or someone you work with are affected? Are resources posted and obvious? Have managers been trained as to what to do if approached by anyone with concerns?
There are multiple resources available if we publish the information and encourage the safe ability to reach out. Providing any resources your company has (such as an EAP program) on an ongoing basis (weekly/monthly/quarterly postings) can be helpful. In addition, in posting areas, place information regarding domestic hotline phone numbers and resources so staff see them during the workday.
Supporting programs like Domestic Violence Awareness month or other activities during the year acknowledges to staff that they do have support and potential options. There are multiple campaigns throughout the US intent on raising awareness.
Contact any of the following for additional information and resources and please raise awareness among your staff: www.biausa.org; www.thehotline.org; www.eadvma.org; or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE; Rape, Abuse and Incest Network at 800-656-4673; or the Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400.
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