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What is Domestic Violence?. Domestic violence is the use of physical, sexual, and/or psychological coercion to establish and maintain control over a family or a household member.
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What is Domestic Violence? • Domestic violence is the use of physical, sexual, and/or psychological coercion to establish and maintain control over a family or a household member. • Domestic violence affects the workplace when an abuser harasses an employee who is on the job, when a victim is absent because of injuries or less productive due to stress, or when violence occurs at the workplace.
Possible Indicators of Domestic Violence • Bruises, cuts, burns, and fractures – especially injuries of the eyes, nose, teeth, and jaw. • Bruises that are unexplained or come with explanations that do not add up. • Injuries that go untreated or are in different stages of healing. • Anxiety-related conditions (feelings of panic). • Depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or alcohol/drug problems.
Indicators, Continued… • Stress-related physical ailments (i.e. headaches, problems with sleeping, or low energy). • Inappropriate clothing or accessory, possibly worn to cover up signs of injury. • Attendance problems, difficulty concentrating, or problems meeting deadlines. • Repeated upsetting telephone calls at work. • Withdrawal from co-workers.
Abusers’ Impact on the Workplace • Making physical or sexual assaults or threats against the victim, children, or co-workers (i.e. threaten to take the children away or destroy property; threats of suicide). • Making the victim account for every minute of the day (i.e. the abuser drops off and picks up the victim from work). • Making the victim late for work or sabotaging job performance (i.e. by keeping the victim up all night or destroying work clothes). • Controlling the victim’s use of personal, sick or vacation time.
Abusers’ Impact on the Workplace, Continued… • Sabotaging the victim’s efforts to attend medical or counseling appointments by not providing childcare or transportation. • Isolating the victim from co-workers, friends, and family so there is no support system other than the abuser. • The abuser stalks the victim or makes frequent telephone calls or emails to monitor whereabouts.
Common Barriers to Asking about Domestic Violence • Denial: Assuming that the question does not need to be asked because domestic violence does not happen that often… • Pessimism: Assuming that it won’t help to ask… • Personal Feelings: Feeling uncomfortable because the subject brings up your own personal issues…
Common Barriers, Continued... • Lack of Knowledge: Feeling uncomfortable because you are not familiar with the dynamics of domestic violence or the available resources… • Powerlessness and Isolation: Not knowing how to help once someone discloses that they are experiencing problems or feeling like you are the only one who knows or cares…
Why Managers Should Take Action • Domestic Violence affects many employees. • It is a security and liability concern as well as a health care concern. • Domestic Violence is a management issue as it affects both the private and working lives of employees. • Domestic Violence is a performance and productivity concern. • Taking action in response to domestic violence works and managers can make a difference.
Appropriate Response to Workplace Violence • Be aware of the indicators of domestic violence. • If an employee or co-workers approach you about domestic violence, talk to the employee in a confidential setting. • Express concern and listen without judging; offer help and information. • Support the victim’s decisions and maintain confidentiality. • Express concern for the victim’s safety; encourage the employee to talk to domestic violence counselors who can listen and problem-solve.
Appropriate Response Continued… • Post information about domestic violence in your work area and have information available where employees can retrieve it confidentially. • As a supervisor, adjust the employee’s work schedule as considered necessary or reasonable or consider transfer of the employee to another work area for her safety. • Refer the employee to the UNC Hospitals Beacon Child & Family Program, Employee Relations, or to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for further counseling and resources.
When to Report to Hospital Police • It is hospital policy that if there is a potential of violence, if the victim has a valid Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO), or ex parte order, it is mandatory for the supervisor to report to Hospital Police. They will keep the order on file. • Hospital Police can assist the victim in safety planning.
UNCHCS Employee Relations and Employee Assistance Program • Employee Relations is available to assist employees who are experiencing domestic violence. Their phone number is 966-2262. • The Employee Assistance Program is available to any employee who is experiencing problems which affect their work performance or well-being. Their contact number is 929-2362.
UNC Hospitals Beacon Program • Beacon Child & Family Program is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact Information: • Phone number is 966-9314 • Pager is 1-888-378-0551 • The Beacon Program Social Workers provide counseling and education to employees who are victims of domestic violence. • They will assist the victim with developing alternatives and referring to other agencies that can provide ongoing support and legal advice.
