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Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs: A Toolbox
In some cases of domestic violence, the victim and the abuser will work in the same organization. Keeping the victim
safe will require the employer to respond effectively to the worker who is abusive. It is important to hold the abuser
accountable for any unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
In some instances, the violence may appear mutual, but there is usually one person who is exerting power and
control over the other to cause fear. Victims may act defensively or reactively to the violence. Keep this dynamic in
mind as you address domestic violence in the workplace.
Some steps that an employer can take to respond to a worker who is abusive and who works in the same
organization as the victim include:
• providing information on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or community counselling;
• following disciplinary steps that hold the abuser accountable for any unacceptable behaviour and ensuring that
the victim and co-workers are protected;
• setting up alternative work arrangements so the abuser does not have access to the victim;
• calling the police to investigate and requesting restraining orders that keep the abuser away for the workplace
and the victim; and
• ensuring that co-workers do not try to intervene physically to prevent or stop the violence themselves, and that
police or counsellors are involved.
For further information on dealing with abusers, see the following resources:
1. "Recognize. Respond. Refer: What to Do when Abuse at Home Comes to Work": Liz Claiborne.
http://www.loveisnotabuse.com/c/document_library/get_file?p_l_id=45693&folderId=72612&name=DLFE-6.pdf
What if the Abuser and the Victim Belong to the Same Workplace?
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