Conduct Training

Training can assist in creating a workplace that recognizes and responds appropriately to the impact of domestic violence.

Specific trainings can include:

• basic domestic violence training for all staff;
• training on policies and procedures around domestic violence (e.g. who to report problems, options, confidentiality, safety); and
• training on de-escalating a situation and when it is best to call law enforcement.

Train Security Staff

Security procedures can help protect all employees’ safety, whether or not domestic violence is the issue:

• Ask all employees to be alert to suspicious people who do not belong in the area.
• Parking should be in a well-lit, secured area. Do not have employee’s names on reserved parking.
• Require identification of all maintenance and sales people before they are permitted to enter.
• Establish key and lock control. Retrieve keys from terminated employees.
• Do not allow unauthorized people to pick up an employee’s check. (Source TCFV)

Review safety plans and the need for them.

A safety plan is a personal assessment tool that aids victims in developing strategies that provide safety. It helps identify places and times when the abuser is most likely to cause harm. A good safety plan helps a victim make the best possible use of resources in the workplace, the community, and the home. A safety plan cannot protect an abused person from every possible action an abuser might take, however, it can be an empowering and practical tool, helping an abused person feel less like a victim and more like a survivor. (Source CBA1)

Employers can support the development of safety plans for at-risk employees and these plans should be coordinated with the employer’s general security plan. Key staff can be trained by local domestic violence experts to develop a safety plan with an employee at risk. This training should focus on the fact that safety planning requires active and ongoing participation by the victim. As her/his circumstances change, so will his/her plan. (Source CBA1) (See Create Safety Plans)

Train employees to understand the risks to victims of divulging confidential information and to adhere strictly to company confidentiality policies. (Source CBA1) 

Create a violence prevention program and engage employees in its implementation.

Sample Workplace Violence Prevention Program

Create an incident report form and conduct training on its use.

A form for reporting incidents of workplace violence is an important tool for documenting occurrences and problem areas. Training appropriate personnel in the use of this form is essential.

Sample Workplace Violence Incident Report

Other ways to be proactive in dealing with domestic violence:

Consider possible legal liabilities. 
Make Materials and Resources Accessible and Available. 
Develop contacts with local domestic violence service providers.
Develop contacts with local law enforcement personnel.
Make referrals to community resources.
Develop policies and procedures.
Assess security.
Conduct training.
Understand protective orders.