Friday, January 23, 2009

Everything Makes A Difference

This week I was at a meeting with researchers looking at a state's domestic violence leave law. I got a chance to meet people who work with counties and a director of another state's Department of Labor and another researcher who focuses on on-line training to increase competency. . .all of these people certainly are not experts in domestic violence, but they are all connected in making sure this research is viable and actually has real world applications.

One of the things the researchers learned from employees who were victims of domestic violence is that they wanted employers to understand what they needed and provide them information. Not "get in their business" but care and provide the resources and information they needed to get safe.

This morning I was communicating with someone else about it - a person who is a Communications Consultant and not in the field of domestic violence at ALL.

She said she thought this work (domestic violence and its impact on the workplace) was important and asked me what she could do to help. I told her she could let people know that domestic violence impacts the workplace. . .and that there are things employers can do about it.

So - she asked for the web address for this blog and for our Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence website (http://www.caepv.org) and sent them to all her clients.

I told her she possibly saved a life by doing that.

Because EVERYTHING makes a difference. Giving information and resources can be the difference in someone getting a resource and someone not getting it.

Thank you to that wonderful woman (if she reads this, she knows who she is!) for taking the time to make a difference by just sending out information to people who may not know.

Thank you to everyone who understands that everything can make a difference. . .and does a little something to do that. You are changing the world for people who may not be able to do it for themselves.

Thank you.

3 comments:

Miragi said...

In my humblest opinion, I don't think DV programs in the workplace will work effectively until and unless DV victims are assured complete and utter privacy. They have to have someone to go to that cannot, by law, disclose the nature of their issues. The humiliation and embarrassment factors weigh heavily on most DV victims, which is why so many make up excuses or lie about why they call in.

Granted, I haven't had time to read the link you posted, but from my personal experience, I know I would never think about mentioning anything to anyone without that kind of privacy protection in place.

I think it's a beautiful thing what your friend has done. I know you'll be even more successful in your work this year!!

XO

Mi

Kim Wells said...

Miragi - thanks for your comment. You are absolutely correct - the Corporate Alliance (CAEPV) works hard with our member companies on creating infrastructure and policies to ensure confidentiality . . .but more than that, on creating a workplace culture where those in need of help can feel they can come forward to take advantage of resources without fear of losing their jobs or of being talked about or questioned. Otherwise, these programs will not work.

Our www.caepv.org website provides a lot of information on how to create these programs. . .but I will be the first to admit that creating this kind of workplace culture takes time.

That is also why it is important to have external resources an employee can access without telling the employer.

Thank you for your wonderful point.

My friend was sending along the link to this blog and to the CAEPV website to raise awareness to employers that DV was an issue they should probably address and letting them know the tools are available. . . .including tools to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of those who need it most!

Miragi said...

It's good to have a program like the CAEPV to get things moving along with this issue! I'll definitely read more about it.

It's definitely a tricky issue to deal with in workplace settings. Kind of makes me glad not to be in the typical workplace anymore!!

I admire you so much for what you are doing and just for you, in general! I'm not sure what I'd ever be able to do to help, but I'm always around if you need something.

XO

Mi