When you are committed to protecting your employees from abuse, it means you as an employer should know the best means for protection. Remember, being an employer means you are responsible for the wellbeing of your business, and the wellbeing of your business often rests on the wellbeing of your employees. Educating your employees about how to protect and care for themselves is a great way to boost company morale. When creating educational materials for your employees, here are some guidelines we encourage you to keep in mind:
- Seek medical and legal help- If you are physically assaulted, it should go without saying that you should see a doctor for examination and treatment. However, a victim of domestic violence should also call the police, as his/ her life may be in danger. A partner who attacks someone once is likely to do so again. The minute legal authorities are involved, an abuser is on watch. The victim can gain an order of protection and begin to regain control of his or her life.
- A plaintiff is not a passive role- A complainant in a domestic violence case has the power to help or hinder law enforcement. Be aware that victims do not have the power to drop charges, as assault is often viewed as a crime against the state, not just the individual. Many domestic violence victims feel remorse for putting their partners in legal trouble and feel the need to protect them. The truth is, it is the abuser’s actions that put him/ her in legal trouble, and the victim has the right to argue for his or her protection, and the responsibility to tell the truth about what happened so the crime can stop.
- Victims should be wary of speaking to opposing counsel- Whether you live in Elizabeth NJ and are dealing with Elizabeth NJ criminal lawyers, or live in San Francisco CA, speaking to opposing counsel without your attorney present is a risk. Even the smallest, most casual statement can be used to discredit the victim’s allegations, and the best criminal lawyers in Elizabeth NJ, San Francisco, and across the country, are highly trained at analysing witness statements to find fault with them.
These are just three points of wisdom an employer can impart to employees when educating them on abuse. If you have the power to stop a crime, you should. Continue to read the Safe at Work Coalition’s blog for more tips on preventing and handling domestic violence.