I am committed to providing a safe and supportive workplace for all of our employees. Further, I recognize that domestic violence is not a private family matter. Rather, domestic violence often follows victims to work, depriving them and their co-workers of a safe and productive workplace. Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation. However, no one should feel alone.
Help is available.
The Department has resources that can help address the myriad of issues associated with this tragic problem. I encourage you to continue to utilize the State's Employee Assistance Program in this regard. There are also local community resources that can be of vital assistance. To further address this issue, the State's Domestic Violence and The Workplace policy requires that all State employees receive workplace training to increase their awareness and sensitivity in this matter. I am therefore directing that all DHMH employees complete Domestic Violence and The Workplace training by June 2001.