By: Mariam Khan
Domestic violence is an expression of unequal power relations (both at the personal, relationship, community, and societal level) and is linked to issues of social domination and economic control. When workers are experiencing domestic violence at home, the impacts are felt in the workplace. Even though this is something that usually happens in the confides of a home does not mean that the impact does not seep into people’s daily lives. Domestic violence which can include physical, sexual, psychological, and economic is usually carried out by an intimate partner. Anyone can be a victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. Everyone, irrespective of, for example, their sex, gender, age, social or educational level, can be victim or perpetrator of domestic violence. However, the vast majority of reported cases are committed by men against women. Any way that this sort of violence is conducted has a huge impact on the people who are suffering, which is mainly shown through psychological effects and causes them to be brought to their working environment.
Domestic abuse has a significant effect on women workers, and the workplace is a significant entry point for addressing the social values and beliefs that perpetuate it.
The impact of domestic violence in the home has become an important workplace issue and showing that issues that occur in the home are brought to the workplace and in order to sustain a good working environment these issues need to be addressed. Research has indicated that women who have experienced domestic violence are usually employed is more of a part-time or casual contract and their earnings can be 60% lower than women who have not or are not experiencing domestic violence within their home.
Children who are also brought up in their sort of environment are subject to having the influence that this behaviour is acceptable and normal to them, so they embrace and grow with the perception that they may behave in the same way or accept that this behaviour will occur to them in the future, and they must accept it, which is wrong. Parents serve as a protective shield for their children. When fights happen or any sort of disagreement or dispute happens between the parents, the children’s confidence is shaken. Domestic violence has a ricocheting effect, and this is why it is becoming an issue in the workplace.
A lot of women that are subject to domestic violence actually end up leaving their place of employment because of the stress and the negative impact that comes from it which makes them feel unsafe in their workplace leading to them wanting to leave. As many as 38 percent of women that are murdered have experienced some sort of domestic violence by an intimate partner, some of these murders have even occurred in the workplace. In a study conducted by the United States found that 44% of respondents had experienced some sort of domestic violence within their workplace, in where 64% of people said that it had an effect on their ability to show up and work to their capabilities within a workplace leading to them feeling as though they need to leave their workplace because of the negative impact caused by domestic violence.
By being able to understand the impact that domestic violence has on workers and workplaces it shows that the main issue is the lack of understanding and education of people involved in these scenarios. Tools and specific protocols need to be implemented in order to support victims and intervene with perpetrators. Domestic abuse has a significant effect on women workers, and the workplace is a significant entry point for addressing the social values and beliefs that perpetuate it. This entails acknowledging women’s right to work independently and to have an independent income, which can also provide a pathway of escaping an abusive relationship. The financial stability that job brings may help women prevent depression and maintain their home and standard of living. At the same time, it is apparent that women who have experienced domestic violence have a more disrupted employment history, have lower personal earnings as a result of having to move jobs more often, than women who have not experienced violence.
Domestic violence is a time-sensitive issue because it is often ongoing and must be addressed before it worsens. As a result, it’s critical to enable victims to seek assistance as soon as possible, as well as to have reactive and timely responses. Campaigns and programmes that raise awareness provide a culture in which victims can seek support and bystanders can intervene, both inside and outside the workplace. Domestic abuse victims are allowed to adjust their work schedules, use pseudonyms, and have flexible working hours in certain workplaces. This allows victims to make necessary changes to protect themselves from abusers who exploit the knowledge of their working hours and location.
It is critical to create secure, inclusive, and compassionate workplaces where victims feel safe seeking help and disclosing their situation without fear of further victimisation, shaming, or loss of employment. Employers can also help victims by sharing information at work about current public policies and programmes that can minimize the impact of domestic abuse and assist victims.
Domestic violence is an extremely traumatizing experience and the emotional scars associated with this abuse can often outlast the physical impact. Domestic violence survivors are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse or stress-related mental health conditions. Survivors can have upsetting memories or flashbacks, fear or a sense of danger that they cannot overcome. They may feel numb or disconnected from the rest of the world.
If you are passing through a difficult situation or an abusive relationship, it is always a good idea to seek professional assistance. At Mariam Khan Coaching, our counselling sessions provide a safe and confidential environment for survivors to express their feelings, thoughts, and fears. Our counsellors are non-judgmental who listen and can help survivors work through the things that they are experiencing. Speaking with our counsellors can help survivors to deal with their remaining anxiety and find ways to relieve that stress. Please contact us if you have any additional questions regarding this article. You can send us an email with your questions or feedback. We’d be delighted to hear from you and help you.
The writer is the Founder/CEO of MK Coaching and currently working with The Dayspring as Bureau Chief-Washington, DC. She can be reached at [email protected].