Domestic violence and the workplace: developing a company response

Historically, employers considered domestic violence as strictly a personal issue. When asked to comment, they offered several excuses for not getting involved: it’s risky; it’s no one else’s business; it’s hard to distinguish whether it is actually abuse; it’s a lose/lose situation; it’s not my problem. Today, however, much of corporate America views domestic abuse as a workplace issue, one that warrants serious attention. As a result, companies are beginning to understand that employees are not one‐dimensional; rather, they are a complex package. Employees bring to the organization not only their skills and abilities but also their personal relationships and problems. This paper discusses the effects of domestic violence in the workplace, the costs to the employer, and what employers can do to help their employees and to reduce the company’s legal liability.