Prior to the pandemic, supervisors and coworkers already played a key role in extending support and help to survivors. Their role is even more critical when a national crisis creates barriers to the protective environment of the workplace.
As workplaces adjust to this new reality of remote supervisory interactions, the following tips may help supervisors and coworkers recognize when a colleague may be experiencing violence at home, respond in a manner that centers the survivor’s physical and emotional safety needs, and refer them to resources available to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits all approach to safely supporting survivors; many of the typical strategies and avenues to seek safety or provide support may no longer be viable.
It is important to recognize that this is likely the first time survivors have had to navigate complex situations because of the abuse by a partner; they are the experts on what they need to be safe, they are resilient, they are resourceful, they are survivors. As allies, there is still much we in the workplace and coworkers can do to support survivors.
To share this video with managers, please provide this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pwjZ5VWBr0&feature=youtu.be
We are making the following manager training available to all members who want to raise awareness among the managers in their organization – simply share the following link: https://standing-firm.org/covid-19-manager-training/#/
Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline and Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence, WHEN WORK IS SAFER THAN HOME, Supporting Workers Experiencing Violence during the Pandemic, https://www.workplacesrespond.org/page/covid19supportingworkers/