Self assessment quiz: Part 2

Be aware of the signs of risk and violence for victims, potential victims and abusers.

Provide information through awareness and education:  posters and notices in bathroom stalls, on bulletin boards (in hallways, lunchrooms and on the intranet of your workplace), distribute Neighbours, Friends and Families brochures, hold a lunch and learn session, invite local women abuse experts to do a workshop.

Train managers, supervisors, human resources and health and safety officers, security personnel and union representatives to recognize the signs of violence and abuse, to identify when workplace flexibility and supports may be needed, to respond effectively and confidentially, and to whom to refer – internally and externally – when a situation arises.

Train co-workers to recognize the signs of violence and abuse too and encourage them to become caring and engaged bystanders.

Use – and circulate – the Make It Our Business and Neighbours, Friends and Families brochures, safety card and guidelines.

Take threats and the early warning signs of violence seriously.  Consult an expert when you are not sure if what you are seeing poses a risk. Recognize when you need to take immediate action.

Know how to respond sensitively and appropriately. You are trying to support victims of domestic violence and keep your employees safe, whether the woman discloses or not.

An effective response will usually include some basic actions:

• creating a risk and threat assessment to identify safety and security needs
• identifying flexibilities and options in the workplace to make it easier for the victim of domestic violence get the help she needs to rebuild her life
• doing safety planning to keep herself and her children safe
• identifying security measures to keep her and others safe and protected
• using the Make It Our Business Guidelines to plan your responses

When you are offering help and support to victims of violence, remember that you are not a counsellor or therapist. Do not give personal advice or counselling. Express your concern, but don’t judge or blame her. Help your employee or co-worker find the help she needs.

An effective response is linked to referral:  find out who you or the victim of violence can turn to for help, and the information and resources you can suggest for follow-up.

Internal resources:

• Select a person in your workplace, or create a team to look at cases of domestic violence when they are identified.
• Make sure that all employees know who to talk to in case domestic violence is identified in your workplace.

External resources:

• Call your local Police Service and ask for a specialist in domestic violence.
• Contact local woman abuse experts through the local Women’s Shelter or Sexual Assault Centre.
• The Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers a 24-hour crisis line for abused women in Ontario and others who want to support them. The service is anonymous and confidential. They offer services in up to 154 languages. Helpline staff can also support you in safety planning or connecting you with experts and services in your community. For more information about their services visit www.awhl.org or call 1-866-863-0511 or TTY 1.866.863.7868.
• See the Make It Our Business Guidelines for Finding Community Resources for Workplace Domestic Violence

You are not alone.  You are not expected to be the expert on domestic violence, threat assessment, helpful flexible work arrangements or security measures.  Make It Our Business and Neighbours, Friends and Families have resources to help:  brochures, safety cards, guidelines, and links to additional workplace and woman abuse/domestic violence resources and services.