NCJ Number
175371
Journal
Security Management Volume: 42 Issue: 7 Dated: July 1998 Pages: 28-30-35
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a comprehensive team approach to preventing and addressing domestic violence and workplace violence; the program combines the skills of its security department with those of its employee assistance program (EAP).
Abstract
The program has evolved informally over the past 7 years. Through the program, the two departments develop customized plans that provide troubled employees with both short-term protection and long-term solutions. The hospital's EAP counselors provide emotional support, resources, advocacy, education, and problem-solving skills. Their services include confidential short-term counseling as well as referrals to victim advocates, legal resources, shelters, support groups, and mental health professionals. Security personnel develop safety plans and work to alleviate the fear that victims feel by providing a range of protective services such as escort services. A security officer acts as liaison between the victim and the police, the courts, other victims' advocates, and department managers. Many of these services overlap between the two departments. The program benefits employee-victims, co-workers, and the hospital. Newsletters and posters describe the services. The program's result is a safer and more productive work force. Case example