Domestic violence is a workplace health and safety issue. It can affect individual employees, team efficiency and team morale. This ultimately can affect an employer’s bottom line. With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Maine Center for Disease Prevention and Control issued the following suggestions for employers to encourage a climate that supports survivors of domestic violence. 

Adopt a comprehensive policy. Most workplaces have a violence prevention policy. Does a business policy address the complexity of abuse? The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence (MCEDV) endorses having a domestic violence policy, saying it is the best practice for appropriate response to both survivors and perpetrators of violence.

Support accountability. Frequently, survivors of abuse are blamed for the havoc caused by the abuser. Policies should state that problems resulting from domestic violence are the fault of the abusive person, not the survivor. That message needs to become part of the workplace culture.

Promote Domestic Violence Awareness. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Host a Lunch and Learn, sponsor a ‘Purple Office’ contest or offer space in an employee newsletter to discuss the issue. Always include information on where employees can turn for support with awareness building. Educate individuals about the dynamics of abuse and signal to employees who may be experiencing violence that the workplace supports and cares about them. Signal to perpetrators that this is a crime taken seriously and not tolerated.

Know the law. In a 2005 study by the Maine Departments of Labor and Family Crisis Services, nearly 95 percent of domestic violence survivors reported not knowing about employment laws there to support them. Make information on the laws readily available. It may help survivors keep their jobs and help employers retain talent.

Connect with your local domestic violence resource center. Maine’s domestic violence advocates have model policies, specialized training and technical assistance available. Contact local resource centers to see what the options are. Many are free. Contact MCEDV at 1-866-834-HELP. Helpline advocates are available 24/7. 

Domestic violence doesn’t stay at home when survivors and perpetrators go to work. There are ways to support survivors and keep workplaces safe and productive. Find more information and a list of Maine’s local domestic violence resource centers, at mcedv.org. 

If you or someone you know is at risk for domestic violence, call the Maine 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1222.