What You Can Do
Employer Actions
BE PROACTIVE
BE PROACTIVE and set the tone for your business.
BE APPROACHABLE
BE APPROACHABLE and knowledgeable about your employees.
BE THE PRIMARY ADVOCATE
BE THE PRIMARY ADVOCATE for a healthy workplace. If your instincts tell you that something isn’t quite right, intervene early before the situation gets out of hand.
REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES SAFE
REMEMBER TO KEEP YOUR EMPLOYEES SAFE. If the employee appears to reconcile with the partner, remember the cycle of abuse. Remain vigilant because the cycle is likely to continue.
PROMPTLY ADDRESS
PROMPTLY ADDRESS any concerns about intimate partner violence you might have with the employee as they emerge. Here are some practical points on how to gently intervene.
TAKING ACTION
Addressing intimate partner violence with an Employee
Knowing how to start a conversation about IPV with an employee can be difficult.
Your role as an employer or supervisor is not to be a counsellor, but rather to approach the employee in a professional, sensitive manner and find out what help is required and where the employee can find it.
Express empathy about personal issues interfering with work performance.
Remember, IPV victims and offenders can be of either sex. Use respectful language: “your partner” or their name; avoid using labels “abuser” or “batterer”.
Be supportive and avoid accusing, blaming, diagnosing or drawing conclusions.
Employees, Friends, Family Members Actions
Talking To Your Co-Workers
Observe
Employees should monitor co-worker behaviours and note changes. They can be encouraged to actively listen to concerns and identify potentially unhealthy situations. Offer assistance with tasks. Employees can offer to intercede with management on behalf of the stressed employee. Regardless, employees need to consult with supervisor or appropriate representative. A peer encouraged resource tends to carry credibility.
Talking To Your Co-Workers
Carry On
Employees should know workplace safety plans. They must involve management & supervisor with observations or concerns. Support the co-worker with tasks and respect any medical limitations. Continue to include co-worker in activities. Encourage others who might be finding coping with the situation difficult.
Talking To Your Co-Workers
Stay Vigilant
Co-workers should be vigilant. If they note unacceptable employee behaviour, it is important to involve management & supervisor. Empathy and respect for employee accommodations will be very helpful. If appropriate and safe, employees can be encouraged to maintain contact with the employee. Being supportive of their co-worker and minimize rumours will help to direct resources to where they are needed most.