Many people are affected by domestic violence everyday. However, it often goes unnoticed because people are either too afraid to say anything, or the victim chooses to hide it. In partnership with Cosmopolitan.com and NoMore.org, we want to give you tips on how to help those around you who may be dealing with this situation. Whether it’s a coworker or boss, here are tips on noticing if someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, as well as ways you may be able to help. Remember this is a very sensitive and serious subject that should not be taken lightly.
When Violence Happens: AT WORK Whether you know it or not, one of your coworkers is probably threatened by relationship violence. Homicide is the second leading cause of death for women at work—and the vast majority of those murders are at the hands of an ex. "Even if the abuser doesn't know where his ex lives, he knows where she works," notes Pam Paziotopoulos, a corporate consultant on workplace violence. The good news is, companies are realizing that "private" violence is a public-health crisis. "The most dangerous situation is thinking, “It can't happen here," says Kim Wells, executive director of the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence, which helps companies tackle the issue. "People in any workplace, big or small, can help prevent it." IF YOU'RE THE TARGET "In a perfect world, a victim can tell her employer she needs help," Wells says. In the real world, this takes tremendous courage. If you can take the first, difficult step of admitting the problem, these steps come next. 1. Ask yourself, can I approach my boss and not lose my job? See if your company has a workplace policy online or in its handbook. If there's no policy and you're worried you won't be supported, call the national hotline at 800-799-SAFE. 2. If you feel comfortable, let your employer know if you have a protective order… IF YOU'RE THE BOSS The most important thing is to create an environment where victims know they won't be ostracized or fired if they come forward. Having a domestic-violence policy helps do that, and in some states, it's the law. Start here. 1. If you are a small business, invite a local domestic-violence service provider to come talk to your employees. "This sends a message that domestic violence is an issue you're committed to addressing," Raghu says. 2. Hang posters in the bathroom or on the bulletin board that say domestic violence will not be tolerated. As Wells notes, "If victims are working for you, that means batterers are too…" IF YOU'RE A COWORKER Cubemates are often the first ones to notice the abuse, but that does not mean you need to get deeply involved. In fact, Paziotopoulos says, you shouldn't—it's straight-up dangerous. Follow this advice instead.
This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. To read the full article, visit this link, and for more information on Domestic Violence and how you can help, visit NoMore.org.
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