Workplace & DV

First, it is important to keep in mind that many states allow victims of domestic violence time off from work if that missed time is due to domestic violence, testifying in court, etc. And even if there isn’t a law that would require an employer to give an employee time off if requested, oftentimes employers or the human resources department may want to reach out to the employee to ask if there is anything that they can do to support her as she deals with the after effects of domestic violence. Generally, retaliation against an employee who takes time off due to domestic violence, by firing the employee, demoting, or placing them in unfavorable jobs may be discrimination under federal or state laws.

If you want to speak to your employee about the abuse and let her know that you are concerned for her safety, our website has a page with tips for friends and coworkers of abuse victims that may be useful: https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/helping-others/family-friends-and-co-workers.

If she decides that she is ready to take action, here are some more resources on our website that may be helpful to her:

•Things she can do to stay safe as safe as possible, whether or not she’s ready to leave: https://www.womenslaw.org/about-abuse/safety-tips

•Domestic violence resources in her area: Most domestic violence organizations offer victims of domestic violence emergency shelter, but they may also offer other services as well. They may be able to offer her counseling, individual safety planning sessions, information on resources specific to her community, and help in navigating the legal and social services systems. We have a list of domestic violence organizations at in your state here: https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help/mi/advocates-and-shelters

•Restraining Orders: A restraining order can order her abuser to move out, to stay away from her, to not contact her, and to not hurt her. For more information on restraining orders and how to get one, see: https://www.womenslaw.org/laws/mi/restraining-orders

Someone who suspects abuse of an adult might choose to first speak with the victim to find out if s/he wants to do so and to offer support. If someone is thinking of reporting the abuse to the police, for example, one thing to consider is that reporting abuse without speaking to the victim may put the victim in danger. Law enforcement may also be reluctant to investigate based on a third-party report. If the victim would be unwilling to testify, for example, it might be difficult for the authorities to build a case against the abuser anyway. Also, in some cases, the abuser might not be kept in jail for very long if he is picked up by the police, and unless the victim has a safety plan in place, she may be in danger once he is released. In general, it is a good idea to let the victim choose how to respond to the abuse.

If your employee makes it clear that she does not want you to report the abuse to the police and will not report the abuse herself, it could be that she has good reasons to feel that way. For example, she may fear for her safety if the police get involved or perhaps she isn’t ready to end the relationship despite the abuse. If someone is not ready to end an abusive relationship, reporting the abuse may wind up alienating the victim from the person who reported it. However, you may also be able to contact a local domestic violence organization to discuss your concerns. Here is that list of domestic violence organizations in Michigan again: https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help/mi/advocates-and-shelters