Guidelines for developing a workplace domestic violence policyDoes the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act require a policy on workplace domestic violence?You are required to create and post a written policy on workplace violence. The policy must be reviewed each year. Workplaces with 5 or less employees are not required to post their policy. The law regards domestic violence in the workplace as a kind of workplace violence. A complete Workplace Violence policy will include domestic violence. Domestic violence has a particular set of dynamics that can be very different from other forms of violence that occur in the workplace. You do not have to be an expert on domestic violence. You can develop relationships with local professionals (such as police, domestic violence experts and shelters, employee assistance programs and other counselling services) and rely on their skills. To adapt policies and programs to include domestic violence your policies should cover:
What does the law say about domestic violence?Section 32.0.4, Occupational Health and Safety Act, “Domestic Violence”, states: “If an employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, that domestic violence that would likely expose a worker to physical injury may occur in the workplace, the employer shall take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the worker.” Key concepts in the legislation include, “ought reasonably to be aware” and what “every reasonable precaution” would be. Although, the legislation does give an explanation of these concepts community research and best practices do. You can review warning signs for the workplace and warning signs for neighbours, friends and families on this site. The Guidelines on Threat Assessment and Risk Management, Setting up Security Measures and How to Create a Safe Workplace give information on how to take reasonable precautions. Creating a policy will let you create specific expectations for how your workplace will act to prevent workplace domestic violence and respond to real or likely cases. Why have a policy on workplace domestic violence?Your policy tells staff about new legal requirements. It lets them know what they have to do to prevent and respond to workplace domestic violence concerns. It also lets them know when a worker can refuse to come to work if she believes she may suffer from workplace domestic violence. This policy guides managers, supervisors and other employees on how to “take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances”. It also helps them respond with the information that police and others need to keep everyone safe. What makes a workplace domestic violence policy effective?A useful policy focuses on safety issues and provides support for victims and staff. It defines workplace domestic violence and gives management a policy framework to help plan and coordinate roles, responsibilities and activities. In your policy, explain the roles and responsibilities of managers, supervisors and other employees involved. Outline the actions staff can take to protect and support employees and their co-workers. Define how your workplace will assist employees who are experiencing domestic violence, In the policy, clarify expectations for reporting incidents of workplace domestic violence and concerns about potential workplace domestic violence. Clearly identify contacts for reporting. Outline the type of training and information your staff needs to keep everyone safe. The policy should also set out the rules that staff need to follow for proper behaviour at work. Explain what happens when staff break these rules and engage in violent behaviour. Finally, the policy helps managers and staff know what to do when incidents and concerns occur. How to develop a policyFirst, decide which policy format best meets your needs. Do you need a stand-alone policy about Workplace Domestic Violence or an integrated policy where domestic violence is part of other workplace policies? Include a corporate or management statement. This is a short and broadly focused message you can use to state your company’s position on workplace domestic violence and your pledge to preventing and dealing with it. Usually a “statement approach” is twinned with policy development. It tells readers why you need the policy. You may create this statement before you develop a policy and approach to dealing with workplace domestic violence. Then you can identify current policies and practices that you can use to address workplace domestic violence. These might include:
Key elements of a policyA policy needs to fit your workplace. A generic policy will not work for your workplace or in all cases. However, there are the some key elements to an effective policy. We expand on these in the checklists that follow. Purpose A workplace domestic violence policy can help you:
Definitions
Make sure to add the legal context from in the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The Ontario Health and Safety Council defines Domestic Violence: Domestic violence is a pattern of behaviour used by one person to gain power and control over another with whom he/she has or has had an intimate relationship. This pattern of behaviour may include physical violence; sexual, emotional and psychological intimidation; verbal abuse; stalking; and using electronic devices to harass and control. Applications Responsibilities Who has what responsibilities under the policy? Who are the contacts for reporting incidents? Who is responsible for following up on reports? What actions must they take? Who is responsible for dealing with protective orders? Consequences and enforcement What may happen if workplace domestic violence occurs? What disciplinary and non-disciplinary proceedings apply? What resources can the workplace provide (for example, counselling, leaves)? How will you enforce this policy? What should you do to prevent workplace domestic violence? How will you deal with concerns and complaints? Who will do safety planning? Will you bring in outside expertise? Is so, who? How will you handle work refusals? How will deal with employees who use work resources to harm, threaten or harass another person? Managing protection orders Retaliation/reprisal Let abusers who freely seek help know what to expect at work. Policy review and revision Do you need a zero tolerance policy?Zero tolerance policies are often not useful. We do not recommend one for workplace domestic violence. All workplaces should be free of violence and harassment. To look into and deal with these cases well, you need to be fair, thorough and reasonable. A zero tolerance policy may conflict with these needs. Also, less severe cases of abuse will need to be looked at differently than more severe ones. You need a policy that allows you to be consistent and flexible. Those with safety concerns and those with responsibility for enforcement are more likely to use a policy that is seen as fair and reasonable. What is a “violence continuum”? Do you need it?The University of Western Ontario defines a violence continuum as follows: “Violence refers to a broad range of behaviours along a spectrum of severity that can generate concern for personal safety and/or personal injury. At the low end of the spectrum are disruptive, aggressive, harassing or emotionally abusive behaviours that generate anxiety or create a climate of distrust that adversely affect process, productivity and morale. Further along the spectrum are words or other actions that are reasonably perceived to be hostile, intimidating, frightening, or threatening and generate a justifiable concern for personal safety. At the high end of the spectrum are acts of overt violence such as assault, pushing, shoving, hitting or physical actions that include weapons and serious physical attacks.” A violence continuum can help you understand and deal with the range dangers your employees may face. A violence continuum looks at low to moderate risk that includes disruptive and aggressive behaviours, harassing conduct and emotional or psychological abuse. Using a continuum can help you and other staff see and deal with the early warning signs of violence and harassment. Sample policiesYou can find domestic violence policies for many employers, associations and organizations on-line. Here are some samples that can help you build your policies. The most effective policy is one you develop that reflects your organization’s unique commitments, culture, resources and policy framework. Have your legal counsel review your new policies. CanadaHotel Dieu Grace Hospital has an Intimate Partner (Domestic Violence) Policy with Guidelines for Providing Assistance for Managing Domestic Violence in the Workplace. The Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario published Developing Workplace Violence and Harassment Policies and Programs: What Employers Need to Know as part of their Workplace Violence Prevention Series. The Ontario Safety Association for Community & Healthcare (OSACH) has a section in their 2009 Addressing Domestic Violence in the Workplace: A Handbook on Incorporating domestic violence in a workplace violence prevention program. The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters drafted a model policy on domestic violence in the workplace (October 2009) The New Brunswick Family Violence and the Workplace Committee developed a Toolkit to help New Brunswick businesses take action to address family violence and its impact on the workplace. The Victim Services Directory. If you would like to talk with an information and referral counsellor, please call the Victim Support Line at 1-888-579-2888, or 416-314-2447 in the Greater Toronto Area. To find online information about services for victims of crime, follow the steps at http://services.findhelp.ca/ovss/. USAThe Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence has a guide on creating a policy and a sample policy to address partner violence in your workplace. Safe at Work Coalition has the facts you need to build a complete and effective domestic violence policy. The Family Violence Prevention Fund offers sample text for a general policy statement and 5 specific policy areas, including, Education and Training, Safety and Security, Employee Leaves, Performance Concerns and Employee Benefits. New York State has a Model Domestic Violence Policy for counties. Buffalo State College, the State University of New York, has a Domestic Violence and the Workplace Policy. U.K.The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and the Northern Ireland Office ‘Tackling Violence at Home - A Strategy for Addressing Domestic Violence and Abuse in Northern Ireland produced Developing a Workplace Policy on Domestic Violence and Abuse. It offers advice on how you can develop increased awareness and more effective responses to domestic violence in the workplace for the benefit of all staff. You can adapt policies to fit your workplace culture. But your staff may not use these policies if you do not have training and awareness programs in place. Training lets managers and employees know what to do, who to talk to, and what resources are available. Start with a policy; follow up with education and training! |
