The Workplace Impact of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

I was supposed to be out walking this morning in the The Center for Family Justice Walk-a-Mile in Her Shoes event, but monsoon rains and winds have scuttled the plans for our event temporarily. Instead, I thought I’d reflect on the goal of the event on this last weekend of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

It’s great to have a “month” earmarked for raising awareness to any important cause.?An awareness month creates the opportunity for conversation and brings the topic into light for people who may not have had awareness of it in the past.?No cause can be achieved if we’re only focused on it 1/12th of the year.?That holds true for the topic of sexual assault… which I’ll group together with domestic violence because they both have many linkages and I’ll abbreviate it as SADV.

It’s easy to say that SADV is something that happens outside of the workplace and so we don’t need to be aware of it at work every day. Here’s why it’s so very important to be mindful of at work as well…

We all have families, and then we have work families… they are people we work with whom we interact with daily and genuinely care about.?Its likely that some of those people you know are suffering in silence today because of SADV trauma in their personal life. ?I want to give you the knowledge to recognize the signs of someone who is a victim and be able to support your friends and coworkers who may be trying to cope.

In this article, we’ll explore how SADV can have a negative effect on the workplace, from productivity to morale, and what steps you as a leader or coworker can take to create a safe and supportive environment and provide help to your friends, family, and those you work with whom you care about.

What is Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence?

Sexual assault and domestic violence can take on many forms, ranging from physical abuse to emotional and psychological manipulation. In addition, the behaviors can vary significantly across different cultures and communities. It’s important for all of us to be aware of the different forms to ensure a workplace that’s free from fear but rich in support for our coworkers.

Physical abuse includes any type of physical harm inflicted on a person by an intimate partner. Emotional abuse is harder to identify by friends and co-workers because it’s characterized by controlling behaviors meant to diminish the victim’s self-esteem and autonomy. Finally, sexual violence is defined as any kind of unwanted sexual contact, harassment or pressure.

How does SADV, which occurs at home, affect the workplace?

The effects on the workplace are far-reaching and include reduced productivity and increased absenteeism, as well as heightened levels of stress related to inclusion and support. It is important for us as leaders and coworkers to be aware of the signs so that we can provide a safe and supportive working environment while being able to offer assistance to those in need. Employers can create programs that promote awareness and support for victims, and as coworkers, each of us can look out for each other by checking in with one another about their safety and well-being.

SADV at home can impact a person's ability to succeed in the workplace. Victims often experience physical injuries, psychological trauma, and disruption to their daily lives. This can cause them to miss work, lack focus and concentration, and even become fearful of the workplace, leading to underperformance and exclusion. As these issues are often hidden away from public view, the person may be suffering without anyone noticing or understanding the root of the problem.

The effects of SADV can also lead to reduced inclusion. For example, victims may be less likely to participate in team-building activities or socialize with colleagues. They may also be more likely to take sick days due to physical or mental health issues, or just feel too overwhelmed to come into work. All these behaviors can lead to a feeling of exclusion, which can further worsen the issue. Leaders need to be mindful of this and make sure that team members affected by SADV have access to the necessary support and resources to ensure their well-being and inclusion in the workplace.

How to recognize the signs of a friend or coworker who is the victim of SADV

Recognizing signs can be difficult since SADV is an intensely personal and often hidden issue. However, there are some tell-tale signs that may indicate a colleague is the victim of abuse.

1.????Physical Signs: A coworker may show physical signs such as unexplained bruises, cuts, or marks on their body. Other physical signs to look out for include fatigue, isolation, and changes in hygiene.

2.????Emotional Signs: Emotional signs to watch for include sudden and drastic changes in mood, behavior, and attitude. Victims of SADV may appear anxious, depressed, and suffer from low self-esteem. They may also become withdrawn from activities they once enjoyed and be more irritable than usual.

3.????Performance at Work: If a coworker is the victim of SADV, their performance at work may be affected. They may show up late for work more often, take more frequent breaks, have poorer concentration, and appear unmotivated or disinterested.?You may even notice that they get frequent, harassing calls or texts from their partner throughout the workday.

If you notice any of these signs in a coworker, it is important to be supportive and let them know that they can come to you if they need help. Don’t try to be their therapist.?Encourage them to seek help from local resources or organizations that provide support to victims.

What coworkers can do to help each other

Workplace safety starts with coworkers. We all play an important role in providing a safe environment. To ensure that the workplace is a haven from SADV, co-workers should take steps to protect each other.

1.????The most important thing a coworker can do is to be there for each other. Offer emotional support and listen without judgement. It’s important to validate their feelings and let them know they are not alone.

2.????If you suspect that a co-worker may be a victim, take it seriously. Ask them if they are okay and provide resources that could help, such as a hotline or a therapist.

3.????Coworkers should create an environment where everyone feels safe. This means speaking up when something inappropriate is said or done. Speak out against jokes, comments, or behavior that might make anyone feel uncomfortable or threatened.

4.????It’s important to create a workplace culture that does not tolerate any type of harassing behavior while working. Encourage coworkers to report any incidents to the proper authorities. Ensure that managers and leaders within the organization are aware of policies and protocols that are in place to protect employees from these types of abuse.

The last thought I’ll leave with you is if you suspect a friend or coworker is struggling with abuse or has been assaulted, the two most important things you can say to them is: I believe you and I’m here for you.

?#saam2023