FAMILY VIOLENCE
I
am an employer. What can I do?
If you
are a supervisor/manager/employer of someone who you suspect is
being abused, do not ignore it.
You may feel like
it is not your responsibility to address the issue.
You may feel like
it is too personal and that it would be inappropriate for you to
discuss your observations.
However, there are several
good reasons to intervene.
First,
domestic violence victims are often isolated and feel compelled
to keep their situation a secret.
They may feel
embarrassed.
By addressing
the issue in a private, sensitive manner, you are taking positive
action toward ending the problem-you may be the first and only person
to acknowledge that the problem even exists.
Second,
victims are often fearful that they will lose their jobs if their
employer finds out the truth. The batterer may even have threatened
to contact the victimÍs employer and get him/her fired.
By talking with the victim
you can reassure them that you are supportive and want them to be
safe. You can help create a place where they can depend on assistance
if they decide to leave the abusive situation.
If your employee
is attempting to leave a violent situation you need to know that
it is probably the most stressful time for them.
The abuser is
at his/her most dangerous and threatening. He/she may attempt to
contact the victim at work, particularly if the victim has gone
into shelter.
It is important that
you offer the victim time off work to go to various appointments
with police, attorneys, counselors, etc.
He/she may also
be having difficulty with child care, finances, etc. due to being
on their own.
Finally,
it is essential that you consider the safety of the victim and other
employees in the work place. Ask that the victim provide a picture
of the abuser, so that security personnel, receptionist, other employees
(if appropriate), etc. can be made aware to call 9-1-1 if they see
him/her.
Encourage people
to walk to their cars/bus stop with others or with security.
You can also contact
Victim Services and request that a counselor come out to the workplace
to assist in safety planning and education.
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Legal Services Links:
Travis
County Attorney's Office
Travis
County District Attorney's Office
Legal Aid of Central Texas
Women's
Advocacy Project
Social Services Links:
APD Victim
Services
TCSO Victim
Services
SafePlace: Domestic Violence
and Sexual Assault Survival Center
Austin Child Guidance
Center
Additional Resources:
Domestic
Violence Hotlines and Resources
National Domestic Violence
Hotline
Violence Against Women
Office
Violence
Agaianst Men and Women
Family Violence Awareness
Page
Husband Battering
Child Abuse:
National Clearinghouse
on Child Abuse and Neglect Information
Prevent
Child Abuse America
National
Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect
Child Abuse
Yellow Pages
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