The Impact of Domestic Violence on Employment

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence are deeply pervasive issues that extend far beyond the confines of the home. The effects of domestic violence impact every facet of a survivor's life — including their ability to procure and maintain employment. Domestic and intimate partner violence can create significant barriers to job stability and career advancement. Employers have a critical role in supporting workers who are abuse survivors, not only because it's the right thing to do but also because it benefits the workplace as a whole.

How Domestic Violence Affects Job Procurement

Barriers to Employment
Survivors of partner violence face numerous challenges when it comes to securing employment. Abusers often deliberately create obstacles and constraints that prevent their partners from gaining financial independence. This can include:

• Control of finances and resources for employment. Many abusers control their partner's finances, leaving them without the resources needed to search for jobs, pay for transportation, or acquire necessary work attire.

 

• Isolation. Abusers may isolate their victims from support networks, including friends and family, who could otherwise help in the job search process. They may also sabotage interviews or discourage their partner from seeking employment altogether.

 

• Physical and mental health challenges. Survivors often suffer from chronic physical and mental health conditions as a result of prolonged abuse, which can affect their ability to present themselves confidently in interviews or meet the physical demands of certain jobs.

Gaps in Employment History
Many survivors of partner violence have gaps in their employment history due to the instability caused by abuse. Frequent relocations to escape an abusive partner, court appearances, and medical appointments can lead to prolonged absences from the workforce. These gaps can be difficult to explain to potential employers, leading to further discrimination and stigmatization during the hiring process. 

This is especially true given that job application and interview etiquette discourages applicants from discussing personal problems or negative influences on their ability to work, even if these are not their fault. If they do reference abuse as a driver of their employment gaps, survivors may additionally risk being seen as having too many personal distractions and being passed over for another applicant. 

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Maintaining Employment

Absenteeism and Job Performance
Once employed, survivors of partner violence often struggle to maintain stable employment due to the ongoing effects of abuse. Common issues include:

• High rates of absenteeism. Survivors may miss work due to physical injuries, emotional distress, or the need to attend legal proceedings. In extreme cases, abusers may even stalk or harass their partners at work, causing them to take time off or leave their jobs entirely.

 

• Decreased job performance. The trauma associated with abuse can severely impact a survivor's concentration, decision-making abilities, and overall job performance. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common among survivors and can lead to reduced productivity or errors at work.

Job Loss and Career Setbacks
The culmination of these factors often leads to job loss and perpetuates a cycle in which survivors remain financially dependent on their abuser. Even when survivors do manage to keep their jobs, they may face career setbacks such as being demoted, being passed over for promotions, or being forced to leave a job they otherwise enjoy due to safety concerns.

Burdens on the Economy
The economic impact of domestic violence in the US can be felt beyond the workplace as well. Partner abuse costs the nation over $8.3 billion per year in social services (such as those provided by emergency shelters), health services, and lost workforce productivity, to name a few.

Employers Support for Survivors:

Creating a Safe and Supportive Workplace
Employers have a moral and legal responsibility to support workers who are abuse survivors. This begins with creating a workplace culture that is safe and supportive. Some key steps employers can take include:

• Implementing a partner violence policy. A clear policy that outlines the organization's commitment to supporting survivors, including measures for confidentiality, safety planning, and access to resources, is essential. This policy should also address the potential for workplace violence and provide guidelines for managers and HR professionals.

 

• Offering training and raising awareness. Regular training sessions for employees and managers can help raise awareness about domestic and intimate partner violence, reduce stigma, and equip staff with the tools to support colleagues who may be experiencing abuse. It’s essential to train employees to avoid victim-blaming or using language that implies such blame.

 

• Providing flexible work arrangements. Flexible work hours, remote work options, or additional leave can help survivors manage their personal circumstances without fear of losing their jobs. Employers can also provide access to counseling services or employee assistance programs.

Supporting employees who are abuse survivors is not only an ethical choice but also makes good business sense. By providing a safe and supportive environment, employers can reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and improve employee retention. Moreover, organizations that take a proactive stance on partner violence can enhance their reputation as socially responsible employers, attracting and retaining top talent.

Domestic violence and intimate partner violence create significant barriers to employment and job stability for survivors, with profound impacts on their financial independence and overall well-being as well as the economy. Employers have a crucial role to play in supporting these individuals by fostering a workplace culture that is safe, supportive, and responsive to the needs of survivors. By doing so, employers can not only fulfill their moral and legal obligations but also create a more productive, loyal, and resilient workforce.

Protect Survivors and Their Jobs With Project Woman

Project Woman is dedicated to ending domestic violence and sexual assault by providing resources to protect, educate, and empower. We offer a wide range of programs and services to support those affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, dating violence, and/or stalking. Our first line of defense for survivors experiencing emergencies is our crisis center. This center provides a safe home for those fleeing domestic and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, rape, or human trafficking. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, don’t wait. Call our 24-hour crisis line at 1-800-634-9893.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the programs and services available, please contact us.

Project Woman offers many ways to help survivors. Financial contributions help provide safety, shelter, and trauma-informed services. Donations of items on our wish list or those posted on our Facebook page provide survivors with necessities and comfort. We also regularly post volunteer opportunities on our site. All gifts of money, items, and time — no matter how large or small — make a profound difference in people’s lives! Thank you for caring.