Abuse is more common than you might think. It happens to men, women and children, in every country, race, social-economic level, and age. In fact, the Bureau of Justice estimates that four to six million Americans experience some form of physical violence in their intimate relationship every year. Since we spend a considerable portion of our day at work it is possible that an associate would suspect someone is being abused before that person’s family members or friends would. Therefore, knowing how to handle that situation in the workplace is critically important.
Educate Yourself
Before you do anything, make sure that you are educated on the subject, especially on types of abuse. Prepare yourself for the encounter, as your discussion may be viewed as interference and not welcomed. It is also important to know when to step back. If the person denies the allegation, you may want to simply express your concern and willingness to help.
While the signs to look for can differ depending on the type of abuse the victim is suffering, it is important to know some of the possibilities. If a coworker displays any, and especially several, of the following signs, the chances are very high that he or she is a victim of abuse:
• Bruises
• A change in clothing style that allows marks or bruises to be easily hidden
• Frequent talk about their partner’s temper or jealousy
• Multiple check-in phone calls from their partner
• More unexcused sick days than average
• Never socializing without their partner
• Accidents or incidents of “clumsiness” significantly more often than usual
Approaching a coworker and bringing up the topic of abuse is a difficult conversation to have, but it is one worth having. You might just be saving a life.
You can help that person by providing them with solutions. Here are some local programs and resources in the area available to them.
Queens:
Safe Horizon
Hotline: 800.621.HOPE (4673)
help@safehorizon.org
Safe Horizon – Jamaica Center
74-09 37th Avenue, Room 412
Phone: (718) 291-2555
NYSCADV
English: 1-800-942-6906
Spanish: 1-800-942-6908
nyscadv@nyscadv.org
Women Helping Women
PO BOX 580086
Flushing, NV 11358-0086
Phone: (718) 539-9111 Office
Allen Women’s Resource Center
PO Box 340316
Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone: (718) 739-6202
Charosa Foundation
Jamaica, NY
Phone: (718) 297-5860 or (718) 723-4896
Hotline for all boroughs (NYC Domestic Violence Hotline):
(800) 621-HOPE (621-4673)
Esther Francis Joseph is a life coach and author of, “Memories of Hell, Visions of Heaven: A Story of Survival, Transformation, and Hope.” www.unityinherited.com
