Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue Joan Marie Yamasaki, PhD Workplace Improvement Analyst United States Postal Service Honolulu Performance Cluster

Goals: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be aware of: 1.The scope of domestic violence 2.The impact of domestic violence at work 3.Workplace responses to domestic violence 4.Workplace and community resources

What is Domestic Violence A pattern of coercive behaviors -Physical and psychological abuse -Threatening, intimidating, harassing, stalking, assaults Anyone may be an abuser or target; however >85% of targets are women

Executives Acknowledge Domestic Violence (Liz Claiborne, Inc. Study) n 57% identified domestic violence as a major problem for the workplace n 40% knew someone affected by domestic violence n 66% believed companies would benefit by addressing domestic violence at work

Why is Domestic Violence a Workplace Issue? Impact on employee’s safety and health Impact on employee’s job performance Abuse may come to work ; increasing motive for workplace violence

Domestic Violence is a Business Issue Safety and security risks Legal liability Health care costs Performance problems and costs Turnover

Workplace Responses n Educate n Flex n Refer n Secure

Workplace Response - Educate Provide training on domestic violence Address domestic violence in other related training sessions Display posters Distribute safety cards and brochures Include articles in newsletters

Workplace Response - Flex Work within policies and procedures Allow time off Provide assistance and resources for the employee to improve

Workplace Responses - Refer USPS EAP /1.800.EAP4YOU Local resources CFS Domestic Violence Hotline & Shelters Sex Abuse Treatment Center National Domestic Violence Hotline / SAFE

Workplace Responses - Secure n Enforce security and access measures n Assess worksite and parking lot security n Be aware of protective orders

An employee who is abused: n Knows the risks best n May be reluctant to talk n May be afraid to take action n trauma n lack of resources n responsibilities n beliefs and values

Talking to an employee who is being abused n Tell employee what you see n be supportive and patient n Do not give advice n Express concern and support n Provide information on resources (EAP) n Maintain confidentiality n Focus on performance and conduct issues

What Happens After Leaving n Different outcomes for different people n 7 of 10 eventually do leave the abusive relationship n Some face greater risks after leaving n Some need resources and assistance to leave n Abuse can end with workplace and community support for change

Talking to an abuser n Take immediate action n Use existing policies n Can abuser’s actions be addressed under policy? n Is abuser using USPS property or equipment to cause abuse? n Do not condone or laugh about the abuse

Community Resources 24 hour crisis lines Shelters Legal hotline / Churches Programs for batterers