Public Employee Press

Domestic violence in the workplace

Some facets of domestic violence are obvious to everyone, such as the savagery of many attacks and the single-mindedness of the perpetrators.

But what often gets lost are the dimensions of the problem—the staggering statistics—and the fact that oftentimes, the violence spills over into the workplace.

This plays out in dramatic scenarios.

In 2004, Elmhurst Hospital became a battleground as one DC 37 member was injured while trying to assist another member, a victim, who was then kidnapped by her husband. Despite a court order of ­protection, violence entered the workplace.

Sometimes, the evidence is very subtle and behavioral changes provide the clues to employees who are experiencing an abusive relationship. Recognizing that domestic violence is a workplace issue, some unions in New York City have taken steps to intervene.

Recently, Cornell University’s Industrial and Labor Relations program offered two forums to highlight the work of the New York Labor Union Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
On April 7, “Domestic Violence as a Union and Workplace Issue: Raising Awareness and Employment Rights for Workers” included speakers and a film about identifying and dealing with the many related issues. The pioneering work done by DC 37’s Municipal Employees Legal Service was featured in this film.

Daisy DeJesus spoke on behalf of the United Federation of Teachers, one of the founding members of the coalition. She described the training and resources available through their program. The UFT has trained over 200 representatives in how to respond to members in need.

A program on May 29, “Men and Women as Allies: A Labor-Management Strategy to Address Domestic Violence Through Workplace Education and Social Change,” included speakers from Communication Workers of America Local 1106 and Verizon.

CWA has concentrated on training shop stewards and has put effort into figuring out how to get the men involved. Hugh Marlon and Quentin Walcott of Hombres Dialogando (Men Dialoguing) conducted a mini session to demonstrate the work they do with abusers. While not all abusers are male, men are 92 percent of the reported aggressors.

“Domestic violence always spills into the workplace. It’s a workplace issue,” Walcott said. “But it’s bigger than your local. It’s also a community issue.”

For more information, contact the New York Labor Union Coalition Against Domestic Violence. E-mail K.C. Wagner at: kc8@cornell.edu or visit the Web site at: www.ilr.cornell.edu/extension/wkplace.