Domestic violence, commonly thought of as occurring only in the home, is also a workplace issue. Once a woman leaves an abusive partner, the workplace may become the only place the assailant can locate and harm her. From 35 percent to 56 percent of battered women in three separate studies reported that they were harassed by their batterers at work. 1 Seventy percent of employed battered women report that their batterers called them at work and harassed them. For many victims of domestic violence, having a job is a key factor in successfully escaping a violent relationship.
Homicide is the leading cause of death for women in the workplace.
5 Domestic violence also takes a devastating toll on employers. Estimates suggest that domestic violence costs employers at least three to five billion dollars a year in lost work days and reduced productivity. It causes increased absenteeism, high turnover and unemployment. When an employee is the target of such violence, other employees also may be placed at risk. At Work It is generally recognized that an employer has a duty to provide a safe workplace for its employees.