Domestic Violence Preparedness in the Workplace: A Component of Active Assailant Readiness
The topic of workplace security has evolved significantly over the years, especially with increasing cases of active assailants. While most organizations focus on training employees to respond to active assailant scenarios, a critical, often overlooked aspect of this preparedness is domestic violence. Given that domestic issues can escalate and spill over into the workplace, leading to active assailant incidents, it is crucial for organizations to include domestic violence preparedness as part of their comprehensive safety measures.
Join us for our upcoming workshop on November 14th: The Professional’s Guide to Active Assailant Preparedness, to discuss this pressing issue further.
Identifying Red Flags
Recognizing the early indicators of domestic violence in the workplace is paramount for the safety of the victim and the organization's overall well-being. Domestic violence can manifest itself in subtle ways, which might be challenging to detect without proper awareness.
Behavioral Cues
Sudden withdrawal from social activities: When an employee starts avoiding company gatherings or even casual conversations with colleagues, it may be a sign of emotional distress related to domestic issues.
Multiple instances of unexplained bruises or injuries: While an isolated case can be dismissed as an accident, multiple occurrences can signify a recurring issue at home.
A sudden decline in job performance or concentration: Employees facing domestic violence often find it hard to focus on work. Their performance may decline due to mental stress and lack of rest.
Heightened sensitivity around discussions of domestic life: A victim may become noticeably uneasy or agitated when conversations steer toward topics of family or relationships.
Disruptive visits or calls from a spouse or partner during work hours: Unannounced visits or frequent calls from a partner can be a sign of controlling behavior, which is a well-known red flag for domestic violence.
Digital Signs
Unusual Email or Messaging Activity: If an employee is getting excessive emails, messages, or calls that seem to make them anxious, this may also be a digital form of domestic abuse.
Heightened Concern Over Privacy: A sudden concern about computer or phone privacy could also signify that the individual is at risk.
Camera Off During Video Calls: A sudden change in behavior where an employee who used to engage visually now chooses not to.
Looking Off to the Side or Seeming Distracted: This could be an indicator they are checking on someone else in the room or are under surveillance by an abusive partner, or are in a heightened state of alertness due to ongoing abuse or threats.
Real-world Example
Consider a case from 2015 in a Texas-based company. An employee displayed several of these red flags, including frequent absenteeism and visible bruises. Colleagues attributed her withdrawal and declining performance to stress and failed to delve deeper. She was hesitant to talk about her domestic life, leading to further isolation. Tragically, her estranged husband confronted her one day and shot her in the office parking lot. Had her coworkers and supervisors been trained to recognize these signs and take appropriate action, this horrifying event might have been prevented [^3^].
Incorporating domestic violence awareness into the organizational culture is not just a preventive measure but a lifesaving one. It can offer a pathway for victims to seek help, enable the organization to provide resources, and intervene, when necessary, to create a safer, more inclusive work environment.
Protocols and Measures
Having a plan to address domestic violence in the workplace is not just a matter of corporate responsibility; it is a safety imperative. However, implementing effective protocols and measures can be a delicate matter that requires attention to detail, discretion, and sensitivity. Here's how you can approach it:
Consult with Experts
Legal Guidance: Consult your legal team or hire an expert to ensure that your protocols comply with federal, state, and local laws concerning employee privacy and safety.
Crisis Intervention Teams: Having a team specialized in crisis management can provide the expertise needed to manage sensitive domestic violence situations.
CPPS Subject Matter Expertise: Outsource the development of your entire Workplace Violence Prevention & Intervention Program. Learn more here: Safe Workplace Unlimited Package.
Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Confidential Hotlines: Providing employees with a confidential means to report issues can make a significant difference.
Counseling Services: Through EAPs, offer counseling services for victims of domestic violence.
Reporting and Follow-up Mechanisms
Multiple Channels for Reporting: Create an environment where an employee can report abuse without fear of retaliation.
Follow-up Interviews: Always follow up on reported incidents to provide support and further actions.
Safety Measures
Security Escorts and Building Access: Enhanced security can be provided for employees who feel threatened.
Remote Work Options: Temporary work-from-home options can also provide an immediate but short-term solution. (Use discretion with this option. During 2020 when many organizations sent their workforce home, instances of domestic violence spiked. The victims didn’t have the ability to leave their homes to get away from their aggressor.)
Emergency Response Plans: Ensure that your security personnel are trained to respond appropriately to domestic violence emergencies that spill into the workplace.
Case Management
Internal Tracking: Keep a confidential internal record of reported incidents to understand the scope and frequency better.
Referral Services: Be prepared to refer employees to external support services, such as local shelters or legal assistance.
Training and Awareness
Regular Training Programs: It's crucial to train both management and staff regularly to recognize the signs of domestic abuse.
Awareness Campaigns: Use internal newsletters, meetings, and even posters to raise awareness about domestic violence.
Real-world Example
In a healthcare setting in California, management noticed a surge in domestic violence cases during the pandemic. They set up an internal committee, consulted experts, and developed a detailed protocol. The strategy included safety measures like security escorts for at-risk employees and EAPs offering confidential counseling. After the implementation of these measures, the reported incidents dropped significantly, and employees expressed feeling safer in their workplace environment [^4^].
By setting up protocols and measures like these, you can mitigate the risk associated with domestic violence in your organization. The goal is to create a work environment that is not just physically safe but emotionally supportive as well.
Intersection with Active Assailant Preparedness
When discussing domestic violence, it's crucial to understand that these issues don't exist in isolation. They can often intersect with broader security concerns, including the risk of an active assailant event. By addressing domestic violence proactively, organizations can also enhance their overall safety posture. Here's how:
The Overlap Between Domestic Violence and Active Assailants
Data shows a significant percentage of active assailant incidents involve domestic or relational issues at their core [^5^]. Victims of domestic violence are at increased risk of experiencing a more severe incident that could escalate into a larger, potentially fatal event.
Integrated Threat Assessment
Having a threat assessment that considers both domestic violence and active assailant threats will provide a fuller picture of your organization's vulnerabilities. This assessment should examine:
Access control measures
Employee screening procedures
Communication systems for emergencies
Training for employees and management
Pre-emptive Measures
Information Sharing: Cooperation between HR (Human Resources), security, and management can facilitate better information sharing, allowing for pre-emptive action.
Restraining Orders: If an employee has a restraining order against a domestic partner, that information should be integrated into your security protocols to prevent unauthorized access.
Drills and Training
Scenario-Based Training: Run drills that incorporate elements of domestic violence as triggers for active assailant scenarios. This training prepares staff to respond to a broader range of incidents.
Tailored Response Strategies
Unified Communication: In a crisis, clear and unified communication is essential. Specific protocols should be established for how to communicate with employees and emergency services when domestic violence intersects with active assailant risks.
Real-world Example
A manufacturing company in Ohio had an incident where a domestic dispute spilled over into the workplace, resulting in a lockdown situation. Thankfully, the organization had already been training its employees on active assailant preparedness. When the incident occurred, employees knew how to respond: they sheltered in place according to their training and were able to avoid an escalation into a more severe situation [^6^].
Addressing domestic violence is not just a social responsibility but also an integral component of a robust and comprehensive Active Assailant Preparedness Program. Being prepared for one helps you to be prepared for the other.
Call to Action
Now that we've delved into the critical intersection between domestic violence preparedness and active assailant readiness, it's evident that addressing these issues is not just a moral obligation but also a matter of organizational safety. Being equipped to handle one invariably prepares you to manage the other more effectively.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the November Workshop
We invite you to explore these topics in even greater detail at our upcoming "Professional’s Guide to Active Assailant Workshop." This isn't just another workshop; it’s a unique opportunity to engage in real conversations, share experiences, and learn practical approaches for handling active assailant situations.
What You'll Gain
In-Depth Understanding: Get a more comprehensive understanding of how domestic violence impacts workplace safety and intersects with active assailant preparedness.
Networking: Join other professionals who are also committed to creating a safer workplace environment.
Actionable Strategies: Leave the workshop with actionable strategies that you can implement immediately within your organization.
Workshop Details
Date: November 14, 2023
Time: 10 am-12 pm PST (Pacific Standard Time)
Location: Zoom Webinar
Registration Fee: $49
Secure Your Spot Today
Don't miss this opportunity to make a tangible difference in your organization’s safety measures. Seats are limited, so secure your spot today and take a proactive step to ensure a safer work environment for everyone.
To register, visit: Active Assailant Workshop Registration
Invest in your team’s safety and preparedness. Together, we can build a culture of readiness and resilience that extends beyond the walls of your organization.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Resources:
https://everytownresearch.org/mass-shootings-in-america/
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact.html
