Why employers should treat domestic violence as a workplace issue

Employers should recognize domestic violence as a workplace issue due to its potential to disrupt business operations and endanger employees, according to Samuel “Raymie” White, Legal Services Director for the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. White shared an anecdote about a survivor, Wanda, whose employer denied her time off, leading to her abuser threatening her at gunpoint at her workplace, necessitating a police response and office closure. He emphasized that addressing these situations is advantageous for employers, preventing hours of disruption and ensuring business continuity. The lack of awareness regarding survivor rights exacerbates the problem. A 2025 survey by Futures Without Violence revealed that 53% of domestic violence survivors do not disclose their abuse to employers, fearing discrimination or job loss. This silence stems partly from 71% of survivors being unaware of existing employment laws designed to protect individuals experiencing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking at local, county, state, or territorial levels. Ana Van Balen highlighted that these protections are vital for the safety of intimate partner violence survivors.