274640 Domestic Violence & the Workplace

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 9:15 AM - 9:35 AM

Alexandra Donovan , Cambridge Public Health Department, Cambridge, MA
Domestic Violence has a corrosive, insidious effect on the health of workplaces and communities. The notion that "domestic violence is a family or private matter" is now considered a myth in public health circles. However, it continues to take sustained effort to overcome that mistaken perception where it still exists, especially in the workplace.

Contrary to popular opinion, studies show that domestic violence victims are more likely to be employed than not. Victims and their coworkers observe, hear and respond to abuse that occurs at work, often putting co-workers in an uncomfortable position with little to no help from management. Many victims spend their days distracted and unable to concentrate from the abuse.

Practical yet flexible workplace policy implementation guidelines will address domestic violence, which can be utilized in a wide range of worksites – large or small municipal, corporate, non-profit settings.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the characteristics of domestic violence in the workplace 2. Describe the role of the workplace for victims 3. Explain the need for a domestic violence workplace policy

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Policy/Policy Development

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the principal of a federally funded grant focusing on domestic violence policy for the workplace and have authored a manager's handbook on how to respond to employees in domestic violence relationships. My domestic violence work over the past 15 years includes international refugee camps, shelters, criminal court, hospitals and state policy level. I have a MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from George Washington University.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.