Finding community resources for workplace domestic violence

Workplaces need both internal and external resources to deal effectively with workplace domestic violence.

Communities in Ontario vary in population size and geographic location. Small communities and rural and remote communities are not able to sustain the same level of services as large urban centres. This protocol identifies many community resources that may be available to employers, unions and employees. It is intended to help you begin exploring what is available in your own community. It also provides information and referral sources that you can access through the telephone or the internet.

You will find suggestions on how to access:

• Emergency response services
• Safety and security resources to protect the employee at risk, their children, and others (including co-workers)
• Restraining Orders and Peace Bonds
• Counselling and support for employees that have experienced domestic violence, for employees that have been abusive and want to change their behaviour and for children exposed to domestic violence
  • Counselling and Support for Women
  • Counselling and Support for Men Who Use Abusive Behaviour

• Legal Information about the criminal and family law systems when domestic violence has occurred

• Information and referrals to address workplace domestic violence
  • Telephone Resources
  • Internet Resources
  • Ressources Francaises
  • Resources in Other Languages
• Tips on how a victim of violence might “cover her tracks” when accessing information or assistance.

Remember information and help is available for:

• Employers, managers, human resources professionals, security personnel, union representatives, co-workers, and others – such as members of multidisciplinary violence/domestic violence teams in the workplace – responsible for implementing the workplace anti-violence program,
• Employees who are experiencing violence or who are potential targets of violence,
• Persons who are abusive or perpetrators of violence.

Neighbours, Friends and Families is a public education campaign to raise awareness of the signs of woman abuse so that those close to an at-risk woman or an abusive man can help. The NFF Workplace Champion Program provides comprehensive education and training for all levels of an organization. NFF is also the public education campaign of the Ontario Government’s Domestic Violence Action Plan.