Office
Awareness Can Break the Cycle of Abuse
at Home
According to the United States Department of Justice, one in
four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime.
The effects of domestic violence are not confined to the home,
but also impact our communities and businesses.
Each year, approximately 18,000 domestic violence related incidents
of workplace violence occur in the United States. The victims
are primarily women and the abusers are current or former boyfriends
or husbands.
Many times the victim of abuse feels helpless and overwhelmed
by the thought of reporting problems of domestic violence. Victims
also fear reporting abuse because of threats of retaliation. That
is why it is important for everyone to be aware of the warning
signs that a co-worker may be a victim of domestic violence.
If you see a number of the following warning signs in a co-worker,
you can reasonably suspect domestic abuse:
• Bruises or other signs of impact on the skin, with the excuse
of “accidents.”
• Depression, crying.
• Frequent and sudden absences.
• Frequent lateness.
• Frequent, harassing phone calls to the person while they are
at work.
• Fear of the partner, references to the partner’s anger.
• Decreased productivity and attentiveness.
• Isolation from friends and family.
• Insufficient resources to live (money, credit cards, car).
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence,
help is available. Victims can call the Family Justice Center
at (314) 241-0077 or the Employee Assistance Program at (314)
977-1066. However, be aware that when a victim seeks help the
abuser is most likely to retaliate with further abuse. The victim
is the best judge of her situation. Let her know that help is
available and that you support her, but she knows her abuser best
and she knows the best time to seek help. By providing information
to domestic violence victims, you can help break the cycle of
abuse.
