Dealing with domestic violence can be insurmountable and gut wrenching, not to mention to have to go to work and put on a happy face.
Have you noticed odd signs in your employee that you are left wondering what's going on? Have you considered terminating their employment due to their frequent phone calls, lack in punctuality, and sick days taken?
If an employee confides in you about an abusive situation in their home or relationship. Please, listen, believe them and offer a sympathetic helping hand. Admitting abuse is an extremely difficult step, so if they are talking about it, it's a good sign. It is the first step.
Look up the Women's (and Men's) Crisis Center Number in your area, or perhaps emergency shelters. Give them the number. Or if they do not want to take the number for fear of their partner finding out, then offer to agree on a safe place with them where you will store the number at work.
Ask what you can do to help them. They may not have an answer right away, but just knowing you care and are willing to reach out, means so much to a victim of violence.
Lastly, don't ignore the signs of abuse. Never tell a victim you don't believe them. Be there when they reach out to you.
Resources:
National Domestic Violence: http://www.ncadv.org/
Anonymous and Confidential Help 24/7: 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224 (TTY)
https://www.facebook.com/WhyDoesntSheLeaveDomesticViolence?ref=hl
http://www.whydoesntsheleave.blogspot.com/
http://www.cambridgepublichealth.org/publications/domestic-violence-work...
