Violence in the Workplace
Violence in the Workplace
The Family Violence Prevention Fund reports:
Businesses and government workplaces are increasingly realizing that domestic violence exacts a heavy toll. The impact is felt in increased health care costs reduced productivity, higher rates of absenteeism and turnover, and a greater risk of workplace violence, which can in turn generate legal liability. A recent study by the National Institute of Justice estimates that domestic violence accounts for almost 15 percent of total crime costs --$67 billion per year. Employers pay a large share of these costs, often through benefits such as sick time and higher health insurance bills.
Most victims of abuse are working women. For many, work is no sanctuary because stalking, threats and violence follow them to the job. Each week the media carries reports of women killed at work by abusive partners or ex-partners. The U. S. Justice Department estimates that in 60,000 incidents of on-the-job violence each year, the victims know their attackers intimately.
Medical expenses due to battering total more than $10 Billion annually (American Medical Society.) Domestic violence has a devastating impact on the health care system as businesses and insurers eye spiraling costs for health care benefits. When victims have coverage, abuse injuries escalate the cost of benefits for everyone. A 2002 study by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee estimated costs of domestic violence in the state to be in excess of $44 million.
Stalking commonly occurs at the workplace, especially when the victim tries to leave the abuser. Domestic violence also affects the workplace in less tangible ways. If a victim lives in fear of her partner, she is less able to concentrate and her work performance may suffer. Absenteeism or tardiness may become a significant problem if she is embarrassed by her injuries or has repeated court appearances. Other employees may spend time gossiping or sympathizing with the victim. Potential violence for other employees may become a reality if the batterer takes the victim hostage or threatens others in order to access the victim.
Violence in the workplace is a risk management issue. Many companies are developing protocols to handle abuse if it surfaces at work. Companies such as Polaroid and Liz Claiborne have developed policies and protocols that can serve as models for others who wish to be prepared and combat workplace violence.