NCJ Number
202061
Date Published
2002
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This document is designed to help employers in creating a workplace environment supported by sound policies to assist women employees affected by violence.
Abstract
The United States Department of Justice estimates that 11 percent of rapes occur in the workplace. Companies that fail to develop policies to create a workplace safe for all employees can face substantial liability. The first step in providing a safe workplace is to develop a comprehensive violence protection plan that protects employees from violence in the workplace and assists them in dealing with its effects. Employees should be encouraged to disclose threats and potential incidents of violence to their employers and seek medical and professional counseling services. Employers should encourage, but not mandate, disclosure so that they can take appropriate preventive steps. Human resource policies should be based on the premises that all employees deserve fair and equitable treatment; employees should be encouraged to tend to medical, legal, and psychological needs; and employers should take violence against women seriously to prevent grave injury. Employees should be educated about the problem so that they understand the seriousness of this crime. Anti-violence and sexual harassment policies should be made clear and conspicuous. Mandatory training should be required for security personnel and supervisors. Companies should follow common-sense security procedures. Anti-violence contact people should be designated for employees that feel threatened. In responding to violence, trained employees should help victims develop a safety plan, provide help in obtaining protection orders, document the abuse, provide an up-to-date resource list, and develop a consistent and fair response. 53 endnotes