Alabama Coalition Against Domestic blazing the trail in Workplace Violence

I'm here with my New Jersey native sister Joan Sulzmann. Joan is with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence which is housed in Montgomery, AL. ACADV is actively making strides in educating businesses and the community on Violence in the workplace.

Joan said that this is a huge problem that is often hidden in the workplace, with 1 out of 6 "female employees" who are adversely affected by violence. Approximately 3-5 billion dollars is incurred in the treatment of victims each year nationally.

Unfortunately, there is an increased chance of stalking and harassment in the workplace because perpetrators know where the victim at all times. The ACADV is educating employers about the policies, programs and services which are currently available or which can be developed to assist victims and assist employers with raising awareness.

Employers can be more effective and active in their approach by including specific domestic violence policies which are inclusive in their existing policies, and address domestic violence in the workplace.

Documented court cases have supported the need to have this information in place because some employers have been and can be held liable in certain instances for not protecting their employees from domestic violence incidents which occur while they are at work.

Joan made reference to the small study that was conducted in Maine with a small group of perpetrators who talked about the use of company resources to stalk their victims. The employers may have had some culpable information about the tactics that were used to cause the victimization, and in one case the employer bailed the employee out of jail. These studies show the clear need to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions regardless of where they are.

Joan has worked in this field for over 25 years and has heard some of the most severe stories which include workplace violence. This direct knowledge has driven her passion to protect victims, hold perpetrators accountable and provide options to the employers on how to keep their employees safe.

Joan stated that having resources available to victims in the workplace is necessary, because most of the time victims are so afraid of what may happen to them if and when they tell their employer about the victimization that they are experiencing in the home.

The ACADV has published a manual and developed an advisory committee with business professionals from across the state that have contributed to what prevalent information that may be the most valuable to other employers.

They have also begun hosting luncheon seminars for HR Managers and others to get them involved.

If you would like additional information or resources please contact them at 1-800-650-6522.