Domestic violence does not mean the violence remains at home. It follows its victims wherever they go. Work is a predictable place where a victim is sure to be found.
The workplace, however, can also be a refuge and help a victim find his or her a way out. Because of this reality, employers are legally, morally, and fiscally obligated to address domestic violence in their workplaces.
Legal Obligations
By law employers must give time off, with some exceptions, to employees to deal with the issues surrounding domestic violence.
Employees also may have a right to collect unemployment compensation in some cases where domestic violence has played a role in the employee’s inability to maintain their employment.
For more information call:
- Maine Unemployment Benefits Division at 207-287-3805
- Unemployment Call Center at 800-593-7660 or TTY 1-888-457-8884
Creating a Safe Workplace
An employer has a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace. One way to to do this is to develop a Workplace Safety Plan.