Domestic Violence in the Workplace

This article by a nursing student describes a study of intimate partner violence that either occurred in the workplace or that directly impacted the victim’s work. The women interviewed for the study were women currently experiencing homelessness. Forms of violence experienced included physical assault, stalking and harassing communication, and verbal abuse. Some women reported that the perpetrator was attempting to sabotage their employment or schooling. Five of the thirteen women studied lost their employment due to the violence. The article suggests that, in accordance with recommendations from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, employers should develop mechanisms to better assist victims of intimate partner violence including development of workplace violence policies and increased workplace security measures.