Airtouch Cellular earlier this summer donated 12 telephones to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office so battered women who are at great risk can call authorities immediately. Bank of America employees who request help through their EAP are referred to a therapist for crisis counseling. The company also will help workers fleeing batterers find an appropriate shelter or safe house and can transfer employees to a different work site, if needed. For extreme situations, bank founder A.P. Giannini established a trust designed to help employees who are facing dire personal situations. Domestic violence victims can tap into it if they need help in escaping a batterer, spokesman Dennis Wyss said.
Some companies go even further, taking a strong stance to protect a worker who is in trouble.
In downtown Sacramento last spring, for example, about two dozen co-workers rallied around a woman whose former boyfriend showed up at her office, left messages on her answering machine at home and called her at work. There never was any concern about her in terms of disrupting other employees. Our concern was for her safety. Eventually the harassment ended and the victim was able to resume a normal routine. While the plight of battered women has gained momentum nationally in terms of corporate donations, it remains an awkward personal problem for most working victims.