The company has also developed an online course for doctors on identifying domestic violence, and supports local shelters for battered women. Women Fighting Rape 'Equal-opportunity crime' Philip Morris Cos. started distributing brochures about domestic abuse in employee bathrooms in 1998. Within a week, one woman contacted the company's employee assistance program and was placed in a women's shelter with her children. A gay employee also notified the police about his abusive partner, said Dede Bartlett, vice president of corporate affairs at Philip Morris. The company has sponsored 20 conferences and workshops in 10 cities on the issue since 1996.
Domestic violence is an equal-opportunity crime.
Educate employees with brochures and fliers stuffed in pay envelopes. Partner with a local women's shelter and law enforcement to train security staff, human resources employees and managers to identify signs of abuse, and encourage employees to confide in their managers. Distribute photographs of batterers and copies of protective orders to staffers at the security station and reception desk. Ask security staff to walk fearful employees to their cars. Implement a program that includes counselors trained in handling domestic abuse cases.