|
|
 |
Myth 1: We don't need to train our staff about domestic violence. That is a personal issue that has nothing to do with the workplace. |
Fact: Ignoring the direct and indirect effects of domestic violence on employees has a clear impact on your bottom line. Each year, business owners pay out almost $728 million in lost productivity and 8 million paid workdays -- the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs. Six-figure jury awards to victims or co-workers and their estates are not uncommon for employers who fail to properly and adequately address domestic violence at work. Domestic violence does effect your bottom line. | |
|
|
| Myth 2: If a victim of domestic violence wants help, we have Human Resource staff available. All the battered worker has to do is ask! |  |
Fact: Battered workers usually will not approach their employer for help. Research on battered women demonstrates the primary reason the victim does not disclose abuse at home is fear of job loss or retribution. Remember, her job may represent her only independence from the batterer.
|
|
 |
Myth 3: It would be easier to just fire a battered worker. |
Fact: Trained employees are an asset to your company. The Society for Human Resources estimates that each employee you fire costs you 30% of their annual salary to replace them & train someone else to do their job. It is far less expensive to help your employee obtain the resources s/he needs. |
|
|
|
| Myth 4: Domestic violence doesn’t cost my business anything…why should I care? |  |
Fact: Besides the employee absenteeism and lost productivity costs, the costs of intimate partner violence exceed $5.8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services, much of which is paid for by the employer.
|
|
|
|