Following are some suggestions for reaching out to employees to either offer help or urge them not to be silent on the issue:
Create and implement domestic violence and workplace violence policies, and make them readily available to employees through e-mails, in new hire packages and, if applicable, on the Company's Intranet. Please click on the following links to see Liz Claiborne Inc.'s current policies:
Promote local and/or national domestic violence hotlines and EAP phone numbers via:
inserts in paychecks
posters in all rest rooms, lunch rooms, break rooms, bulletin boards, etc.
e-mail messages during October (National Domestic Violence Awareness Month) and throughout the year
articles in company newsletters
distribution of educational materials, in conjunction with a local violence partner, on Domestic Violence Workplace Education Day, October 1
Educate employees about relationship abuse and how they can speak out on the issue. Disseminate brochures and memos that provide information on domestic violence and on how men and women can get involved to help end it.
Partner with a local expert to hold seminars on issues of family communication, family stress, healthy and unhealthy relationships, etc.
Allow associates having difficulties to feel safe in the workplace by:
assigning them to special parking spots
escorting them to their cars or other points of transportation
providing guidance through relevant legal processes
securing reception areas with panic buttons
providing secure work areas
educating employees about the resources available to them
Work with a local partner to conduct policy and protocol training sessions for human resources, health services and security departments. If possible, extend these sessions to all managers and supervisors, so that they can be sensitive to and/or recognize signs of abuse.
Include a section in employee handbooks that addresses domestic violence. Use the articles and advice on the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence's website, or look to companies with established policies for a model.
If possible, include as part of the benefits package an Employee Assistance Program that provides an 800 phone number for associates to use in crisis situations.
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