All of us are affected directly or indirectly by the “monster twins”- crime and violence. At work our colleagues will recount incidents of robbery, shooting, rape, wounding and murder they have either experienced or witnessed. Some are so traumatized that they have to proceed on sick leave.
All of us are affected directly or indirectly by the “monster twins”- crime and violence. At work our colleagues will recount incidents of robbery, shooting, rape, wounding and murder they have either experienced or witnessed. Some are so traumatized that they have to proceed on sick leave.
One form of violence that impacts negatively on the individual and by extension, the organisation is domestic violence.
Some of us would have seen an employee (usually a female) reporting to work with bumps and bruises all over her body punctuated by a “black eye”. The employee (victim) would play down the incident and even lie to co-workers stating that she was brutally attacked by a robber while at home. The truth would however soon be revealed that she was severely beaten by her spouse.
Some of us would show pity and try to console her while others would say “Serve her right…that’s the price you pay when you are fooling around a married man”
Regardless of the perceived cause, spousal abuse must not be condoned.
Domestic violence often goes unreported as the victims are either fearful of the abuser and blame themselves for the assault. This act of violence is not confined to women downtown as women uptown also fall victims.
Profile of the abuser
He was abused as a child
He witnessed abuse meted out to his mother and other female members of his family and community
He has anger management problems
He is usually very controlling
He possesses very low self esteem
He is usually very jealousy
He believes in male supremacy and has a very low regard for women
He possesses ineffective coping skills
He possesses ineffective communication and interpersonal skills
He is usually insecure about his role as a provider
Profile of the victim
She possesses very low self esteem
She takes responsibility for the assault on her person and so will not file a report to the police
She lives in a state of denial
She lives in a state of fear and believes no one can help her
She lives in a state of economic and emotional dependency on the abuser
She believes that he (abuser ) will change
She usually lacks social, financial and legal support
She subscribes to the view that men who beat women are expressing love and care
She is usually ashamed or embarrassed to share her woes with others
She will remain in the abusive relationship in order to secure and maintain the family unit
Types of abuse
Physical e.g. slapping, kicking, stabbing, cutting, choking, hitting
Emotional/psychological e.g. stalking, shouting, insulting, putting down, intimidating
Response of the workplace to the victims of domestic violence
Arrange for victim to receive professional counselling
Encourage victim to report matter to the police
Seek legal advice for victim
If employee has exhausted leave entitlement and needs time off from work, leave of absence with pay could be arranged
Assist the victim with relocation exercise
Keep the matter private/confidential and secure the dignity of the victim
Protect the employee from possible attack on the work premises
Contact the Crisis Centre and seek advice especially if there is need for temporary shelter
If practical, a transfer or change of work schedule maybe arranged
About the Author:
Wayne A. Powell is a human resource professional. You may contact him at crisscounsellor@yahoo.com or at his website.