Safety in the Workplace

Domestic violence often affects a domestic-violence survivor at the workplace. Your batterer may call you, stalk you, make threats against you or your children, or attack you at work. These efforts may be affecting your ability to work or jeopardize your job. You may be able to reduce the impact that violence has on your job through safety planning.

Talk with your employer about changes you both can make to your job that will improve your safety at work.

• Change your phone number or extension.



• Route your calls through the office receptionist.



• Keep your home address and telephone confidential.



• Request a transfer to a different desk, department, shift, or work site.



• Have a security guard or other coworker escort you to your car or to the nearest public transportation stop.



• Lock the door to your office or department.



• Register your protective order with the security department or security personnel.



• Post a picture of the batterer at the security desk and inform the security guards not to allow him or her into the building.



• Ask your employer to get a restraining order against your batterer for you in addition to your own restraining order.



• Commute to work with a coworker.



• Vary the route you take to get to work, or the time when you normally commute.



• Tell your employer the steps you are already taking to keep yourself safe.