Info for Employers

If you are an employer...This is your business. Domestic violence spilling into the workplace is a form of workplace violence. Annually there are 13,000 recognized incidents of domestic violence in the workplace.

The impact of domestic violence on the workplace includes lost wages, absenteeism, and non-productvity of, not only victims nad perpetrators, but also co-workers.

As with other forms of workplace violence, it is important to take a proactive approach to the issue. This site provides information about how to recognize domestic violence; respond with appropriate policies, procedures, and sensitivity; and refer to appropriate internal and community resources. 

Your responsibility is not to "fix" the problem. Your responsibility is to realize that there is a problem and to work within your role as an employer.

The Domestic Violence: Make It Your Business Project supports you in strengthening your response to domestic violence in the workplace.

Select from numerous in-depth articles below.

• Print out A Workplace Handbook, a 30-page PDF document that gives an overview to Recognize, Respond, and Refer.
• Purchase training materials. (AVAILABLE SOON)

RECOGNIZE

• What is Domestic Violence? 
• Evidence of Domestic Violence: Statistics 
• Who is Abused? Who Abuses? 
• Who Does Domestic Violence Affect? 
• Why Does Domestic Violence Happen? True or False? 
• Why Someone Abuses

Signs of Abuse

• The Cycle of Violence: Different Representations 
• The Challenges and Effects of Leaving An Abusive Situation
• Cultural Considerations in Recognizing and Responding to Domestic Violence

RESPOND

• What to Do When an Employee Discloses Abuse
• What to Do When An Employee Does Not Disclose Abuse But Abuse is Suspected
• What to Do When An Employee is Abusive
• What to Do When the Abuser and the Victim are Both Employees
• What to Do When a Non-Employee Abuser Threatens the Victim in the Workplace
• How to Be Proactive in Dealing with Domestic Violence 

TOOL: Action Plan 

Detailed, comprehensive, 33-page instrument for reviewing all aspects of your business and the role each can play in developing policies and procedures that create safer workplaces and retain valuable employees. (pdf file)

Consider possible legal liabilities.

TOOL: 10 Ways An Employer Has Liability 
TOOL: Legal Liabilities and Helpful Statutes

Make materials and resources accessible and available.

TOOL: Recognize, Respond, and Refer Handout(pdf file)
Brief handout on what it means to recognize, respond, and refer in the context of domestic violence spilling into the workplace. 

Develop contacts with local domestic violence service providers. 

Develop contacts with local law enforcement personnel. 

Make referrals to community resources.

TOOL: Where to Make Referrals (pdf file)
Template for the contact information your business should have readily available in order to make appropriate referrals for victims, abusive persons, co-workers, and internal operations.

Develop policies and procedures.

TOOL: Sample Workplace Violence Policy (pdf file)
Sample of what to include in a general workplace violence policy.
The incursion of domestic violence in the workplace is a form of workplace violence. 
TOOL: 10 Ways to Avoid Violence in the Workplace 
TOOL: 10 Ways to Respond to Violence in the Workplace  
TOOL: Sample Workplace Violence Prevention Program 
TOOL: Colorado Legislature House Bill 02-1051 (Employee Leave)

Assess security.

TOOL: Sample Workplace Violence Assessment 
Use this form to record and analyze any workplace violence incidents your business as experienced, and consider policies and procedures to minimize the impact and/or deal with workplace violence, including domestic violence in the workplace.
TOOL: Sample Workplace Violence Incident Report 
TOOL: Sample Security Checklist and Hazard Assessment 
TOOL: Sample Workplace Violence Prevention Employee Security Survey

Conduct training. 

Understand protective orders.

REFER

• Colorado Statewide Organizations
• National Organizations and Other State Organizations
• Colorado Certified Treatment Providers