Effects on the Workplace

HOW EMPLOYEES WHO BATTER AFFECT THE WORKPLACE

An Employers Against Domestic Violence Initiative

Employers Against Domestic Violence (EADV) recognizes that domestic violence is an important workplace issue. EADV raises awareness among employers about the impact of domestic violence in the workplace and helps them respond by developing resources and models for prevention, education, and outreach.

In 2001, EADV conducted four focus groups with a combined total of 29 convicted male domestic violence offenders. Participants were chosen from four certified batterer intervention programs in Massachusetts. Their professions ranged from managers to craftsmen, with the majority of the sample representing the latter.

The goal was to investigate the following questions:

• How do employers respond to domestic violence offenders?
  
  
• How do employees who batter detract from productivity?
  
  
• How do abusers use workplace resources to abuse their victims?
  
  
• What did abusers think employers do for and about them?
  
  
• What mediums and messages are likely to inspire abusers to seek help?

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The study's results should be seen in the context of the sample's size and representation. The participants were volunteers from batterers intervention programs. If they had been less rehabilitated, the study's results may have been different.

• Several abusers made costly and dangerous mistakes on the job as a result of perpetrating domestic violence
  
  
• Most abusers used company phones, e-mail and vehicles in order to perpetrate domestic violence.
  
  
• Most abusers used paid work time in order to attend court for matters relating to their perpetration of domestic violence.
  
  
• Most employers expressed support for the abuser, but few expressed concern for the victim.
  
  
• 10% of employers posted bail for abusers or granted them paid leaves of absences for court dates related to domestic violence.
  
  
• According to focus group participants, "zero-tolerance" policies can endanger victims of domestic violence because many abusers would blame and punish the victim for the company's action.
  
  
• Abusers stated that they could benefit from information on domestic violence and referrals for batterer intervention made available through the workplace.
  
  
• When asked to respond to an assortment of domestic violence prevention posters, abusers agreed that those depicting children who witness domestic violence were the most affecting.

Funded by John Hancock Financial Services, Inc.

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