The issue of interpersonal violence and its impact on the workplace is an area that has recently grown in terms of attention and service offerings. Within the province of Saskatchewan employees and their dependents who are victims of interpersonal violence (including those subjected to abuse by someone in a care giving relationship) are eligible for up to 10 days of paid and unpaid leave (5 days of each).
Both men and women can be abused or abusive in their relationships. According to Statistics Canada women are more likely to experience serious forms of violence and abuse and more likely to be injured.
Warning signs of interpersonal violence include:
- Obvious injuries such as bruises, black eyes, broken bones, hearing loss often attributed to falls or accidents;
- Minimization and denial or harassment or injuries.
Employer responsibilities include:
- Having clear procedures and processes in place for reporting the issue that are confidential;
- Follow-up to ensure employee is okay and if available EAP referrals to provide treatment options.
Do you have policies and processes in place to address this issue? If you do not contact me.
Marie-Helene Sakowski – Business Change & Transition – info@effectiveplacement.com
