Through a revised workplace violence policy, which will be in effect this summer, state government will work to be free from violence by establishing preventative measures, holding perpetrators of violence accountable and by providing assistance and support to victims . Domestic Violence results in more injuries that require medical attention than rape, auto accidents and muggings combined. To ensure preventive measures, supervisors need to know when an employee is in a violent situation. Statistics show that violence in the home is likely to move to the workplace. We want employees to feel comfortable coming forward to their managers or to the EAP if they find themselves in volatile situations.
Help is available.
Working together, agency management and EAP can provide a safer place for employees through security or adjustments to the work schedule, location or working conditions. In addition, management can grant a victim leave time for medical, court or counseling appointments related to trauma or victimization. By utilizing flex scheduling, vacation or sick leave and even leave without pay, employees can stay safer and perhaps get their lives refuge from abuse. In June, agency and university Human Resource staff will attend a conference to help improve their departments response to workplace violence. They will learn tools to assist them in responding to this critical workplace issue.