Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence

1. Partner Violence and the Workplace Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence

2. Objectives • Recognize partner violence as an issue affecting your workplace • Understand some of the dynamics involved in partner violence • Learn how to recognize the warning signs that indicate a co-worker might be in an abusive relationship and what you can do to help

3. Partner Violence Basics • Partner violence is abusive behavior between two people in an intimate relationship • Partner violence is an issue of CONTROL • The highest risk factor for being involved with partner violence as an adult is exposure to violence between parents in your family of origin

4. Partner Violence Statistics • Medical expenses from domestic violence total 3 to 5 billion dollars a year • Businesses forfeit another $100 million a year in lost wages, absenteeism, sick leave, and non-productivity due to partner violence • 94% of corporate security directors rank partner violence as a high security problem

5. Partner Violence Statistics(continued) • 24-30% of abused working women lost their jobs due to their partner violence situation • 75% of victims are harassed at work by their abuser • 64% of battered women arrive an hour late for work an average of five times a month • 37% of women involved in partner violence felt its impact in the workplace reflected in lateness, missed work, difficulty keeping a job, and difficulty advancing in their careers

6. Partner Violence Statistics(continued) • Finally, there is lost productivity due to premature death— Homicide is the #1 leading cause of death on the job, and 20% of those were murdered by their intimate partner— AT THE WORKPLACE.

7. Why do people get into and stay in abusive relationships? • Confuse jealousy for love • Victim feels responsible for the abuse • Fear • Violence is only part of the relationship • Shame • Children

8. Why Do Batterers Batter? • Saw it in their family of origin • Experienced abuse as a child • A need for control • BECAUSE THEY CAN

9. Warnings SignsDoes Your Co-worker’s Partner: • Check up on them frequently? • Insult them publicly and privately? • Destroy belongings or hurt pets? • Call, visit, or fax excessively? Do these interruptions seem to cause distress to your co-worker?

10. Warnings SignsDoes Your Co-worker: Have excessive absences or tardiness? • Seem unable to concentrate or appear distracted, depressed or anxious? • Have frequent unexplained bruises or injuries? • Frequently break appointments with friends or family? • Seem to “edit” what they say about their partner, or suddenly stop talking about their partner? • Wear concealing clothing even in warm weather?

11. What should you do when dealing with possible victims? • Encourage them to talk in a safe, private place • Listen and believe but don’t judge • Express concern for their safety • Help them understand it is not their fault • Let them know help is available at your company • Offer your continued support - leaving takes time • Express your admiration for their courage • Respect their privacy

12. What should you do when dealing with possible abusers? • Abusers must want to change and realize they need help—the abuse won’t just “go away” on its own • Encourage an abuser to get professional help through the EAP, the Yellow Pages, or by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE

13. Remember • If you need help, you can get it here at your company or by calling 1-800-799-SAFE • If you are concerned for someone you know, share your concerns with them Ending partner violence is everybody’s business!