New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Information for Employers

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An employer’s most important asset is its employees. That is why workplace safety should always be a priority.

This page contains a summary of information on two topics that impact employers, domestic violence in the workplace and sexual harassment. If you are looking for detailed information on either of these subjects, click on the links in the box to the right.

The Coalition and our member programs can provide trainings and resources, for more information call 603-224-8893.

Domestic Violence in the Workplace	Sexual Harrassment in the Workplace
According to the CDC, intimate partner violence victims lose a total of nearly 8.0 million days of paid work a year-the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs-and nearly 5.6 million days of household productivity as a result of the violence. In addition to having a devastating impact on victims and their families, domestic violence is costly to communities and businesses. It adversely affects critical workplace issues including safety and security, employee health care costs, job performance and productivity.	Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination. As a result, when it occurs on the job it violates the laws against sex discrimination in the workplace, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance or conduct on the job that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Any conduct of a sexual nature that makes an employee uncomfortable has the potential to be sexual harassment.
Work can play a positive role for victims Findings from one study suggest that for many victims the financial, social, and emotional benefits of employment may be critical to immediate and long term safety. Respondents in that study reported having steady employment and an income was a crucial factor in their ability to leave their partners. Source: Rothman, Hathaway, Stidsen, & de Vries, “How Employment Helps Female Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative Study.” 2007 New Hampshire has a Workplace Initiative on Domestic Violence. Trainings and technical assistance are available to employers. For more information click here to download a brochure. For more information Contact Elizabeth Gruber at 603-224-8893 x309.	Anyone Can Be Sexually Harassed Sexual harassment is a gender-neutral offense, at least in theory: Men can sexually harass women, and women can sexually harass men. However, statistics show that the overwhelming majority of sexual harassment claims and charges are brought by women claiming that they were sexually harassed by men. As an employer, you have a responsibility to maintain a workplace that is free of sexual harassment. This is your legal obligation, but it also makes good business sense. If you allow sexual harassment to flourish in your workplace, you will pay a high price in terms of poor employee morale, low productivity, and lawsuits. For more information or technical assistance contact the Coalition office at 603-224-8893
Resources: Safety Planning- Information for victims What should I do if I suspect my employee/co-worker is being abused? How do I know if an employee/co-worker is being abusive? What can I do to address domestic violence in my workplace? Statistics on the impact of domestic violence in the workplace	Resources: What is Sexual Harassment? Verbal, non verbal, and physical examples Incidence and Prevalence Harms of Harassment Employer Liability Strategies for Prevention- Why you should adopt a clear sexual harassment policy.

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