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Responding to Domestic Violence

Anyone who has a commitment to peaceful, equitable relationships and a little time can work to end domestic violence. Below are some suggestion for action that community members can take. Also, consider advocating for change in your workplace- see suggestions below.

In homes where domestic violence occurs, children are abused at a rate 1500% higher than the national average. (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1993)

teachers can: 

  • develop curriculum for boys and men to help them understand their role in healthy relationships.  

  • seek training to help recognize and assist abuse victims.  

  • create an atmosphere for respectful discussion of harassment and abusive and violent behavior.  

Husbands and boyfriends commit at least 13,000 acts of violence against women in the workplace every year. (U.S. Department of Justice, 1994)

business leaders can:    

  • Audit the workplace to ensure that inappropriate attitudes about violence, abuse and degrading behavior are not tolerated.  

  • Offer training and counseling on issues of domestic violence, abuse, and sexual harassment.  

  • Provide information on how and where  to get help in times of stress, need, or actual violence.  

  • Refuse to allow sexual harassment of anyone.

According to a report presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee, 50% of all homeless women and children in this country are fleeing domestic violence. (Elizabeth Schneider, "Legal Reform Efforts for Battered Women:  Past, Present and Future 7", prepared for the Ford Foundation)

religious leaders can:    

  • speak out against violence.  

  • assist victims in their religious community who must escape from abusive or violent environments. 

  • encourage their congregations to adopt trouble youth who are either the victims of or perpetrators of violence.

  • seek training to enable them to recognize and assist children in violent and abusive environments.

The American Medical Association reports that 22 to 35 percent of all women seeking medical treatment in hospital emergency rooms are victims of spousal/partner abuse. (From Spousal/Partner Assault: A Protocol for the Sentencing and Supervision of Offenders, Andrew R. Klein, cited: American Medical Association, 1992)

physicians and healthcare workers can:  

  • acknowledge signs of domestic violence in their patients  

  • take the time to listen to the patient and help them understand their options  

  • remain educated and current on available community resources

Approximately 1 in 5 females victimized by their spouse or ex-spouse reported to the National Crime Victim survey(NCVS) that they had been a victim of a series of 3 or more assaults in the last 6 months that were so similar that they could not distinguish one from another. (Bureau of Justice Statistics, Violence between Intimates, Office of Justice Programs, November, 1994)

civic organizations can:  

  • examine messages promoted within their organization regarding women, minorities, and children. are they positive, supportive?  

  • schedule speakers who will educate members about violence prevention.  

  • encourage awareness of domestic violence and abuse.  

  • promote humane and just treatment for all community members.

The Corporate Role In Preventing Domestic Violence

here's what your company can do:

  • include an insert with paychecks describing signs and symptoms of domestic violence and how to get help

  • place an article in your employee newsletter discussing domestic violence and how to seek help

  • place posters in cafeterias, restrooms, and other gathering places identifying warning signs and resources

  • sponsor lunchtime seminars about domestic violence

develop policies that support victims:

  • allow flexible work hours or time off for court and/or medical appointments

  • offer job transfers to employees whose safety may be at risk

  • respect employee confidentiality and do not reveal phone numbers and/or worksite information

  • train security personnel to help employees who have orders of protection or are being harassed by a partner

  • support organizations that address domestic violence through corporate philanthropy

healthcare:

  • make sure your company's healthcare provider trains its physicians in the screening for and treatment of domestic violence

  • ask that routine screening for domestic violence be a part of all employee health visits

employee assistance programs:

training:

  • provide training on domestic violence to managers, supervisors, security staff and EAP counselors so that they understand the impact of domestic violence, recognize the signs, and know how to respond sensitively to an employee who may need assistance.


©2010 Domestic Abuse Project 1-612-874-7063