There are experiences people carry into work that we cannot see. Domestic violence is one of them. It doesn’t stay behind closed doors. It follows someone into their workday, into their focus, into their sense of safety, and into their ability to simply get through the day. For a long time, workplaces have treated domestic violence as something private, something separate from leadership and organizational responsibility. But the reality is far more connected. In the United States, 24 people per minute experience rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner, impacting more than 12 million individuals every year, and 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime (National Domestic Violence Hotline, 2024). These are not distant statistics. They represent people who are part of our teams, our workplaces, and our communities.
Because of this, the role of a supervisor or workplace is not to solve domestic violence, but to respond in a way that creates safety, trust, and connection. The difference between silence and support often comes down to a few key actions that can be taken with intention and care.
- Recognize the signs and respond early.
Domestic violence does not always present itself clearly. It may look like changes in attendance, difficulty concentrating, increased anxiety, or noticeable shifts in behavior. There may be repeated calls, interruptions, or visible concern about safety. These are not simply performance issues. They are often signs that something deeper is happening. When you notice a change, don’t ignore it. A private, respectful check-in can create an opening for support and let someone know they are not alone. - Lead with empathy, not investigation.
If an employee shares that they are experiencing domestic violence, your role is not to ask for details or determine what happened. Your role is to listen, believe them, and respond with care. Keep your language simple and supportive. Let them guide what they choose to share. Feeling believed and not judged is often one of the most important first steps toward safety.
- Prioritize safety in practical, thoughtful ways.
Safety looks different for each person, but workplaces can play a role in reducing risk. This may include adjusting work schedules, limiting who has access to their workspace or contact information, or being mindful of workplace entry points and communication. Domestic violence can follow someone into the workplace through harassment, threats, or unwanted contact, which makes proactive awareness essential (OPDV, 2024). Even small, thoughtful actions can help someone feel more secure during an incredibly vulnerable time. - Offer flexibility without requiring full disclosure.
Employees experiencing domestic violence may need time, space, or adjustments to manage their situation. This can include time for court dates, medical care, counseling, or relocation. Offering flexibility with schedules, deadlines, or workload, without requiring someone to explain every detail, creates dignity and reduces additional stress. - Connect them to trusted, local and statewide resources.
You are not expected to manage this alone, and one of the most important roles a workplace can play is helping someone access the right support. In our region, the Crime Victims Assistance Center provides free, trauma informed counseling, legal advocacy, safety planning, and 24-hour crisis support. They can be reached at https://cvac.us/ or through their 24-hour crisis line at (607) 722-4256.
At the state level, the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) serves as a central hub for information, training, and connections to services across New York. OPDV supports survivors by funding and coordinating resources, providing public education, and improving how systems respond to domestic violence statewide. While OPDV doesn’t provide direct services, it connects individuals to help through the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline, which is available 24 hours a day. Individuals can call 1 (800) 942-6906, text 844-997-2121, or access live chat at https://opdv.ny.gov to speak with a trained advocate. These services are confidential, multilingual, and available to survivors, loved ones, and professionals seeking guidance.
Locally, the Domestic Violence Prevention Council of Broome County also connects individuals to advocacy services, shelter options, and coordinated community support through https://www.broomecountyny.gov/fvpc. Together, these resources ensure that individuals have access to immediate support, safety planning, and long-term services.
- Respect confidentiality and build trust.
What someone shares should be treated with care. Only involve others when necessary for safety or required by policy. Maintaining confidentiality helps ensure that the workplace remains a safe and trusted environment rather than another source of stress. - Create a culture where support is the norm.
The most effective response to domestic violence doesn’t begin in a moment of crisis. It is built through everyday interactions. Regular check-ins, open conversations about wellbeing, and leadership that models empathy and healthy boundaries all contribute to a workplace where employees feel safer speaking up. When support is consistent, it becomes part of the culture rather than a reaction.
Workplaces are not separate from the realities people face. They are part of them. Supporting someone experiencing domestic violence is not about having the perfect response. It is about choosing to respond at all. Because in moments when someone may feel most alone, the way a workplace shows up can make all the difference. Sometimes, the most powerful message you can offer is simple and clear: you are not alone here.
References
National Domestic Violence Hotline. (2024). Domestic violence statistics. https://www.thehotline.org/stakeholders/domestic-violence-statistics/
Crime Victims Assistance Center. (2024). Services and resources. https://cvac.us/
Domestic Violence Prevention Council of Broome County. (n.d.). Resources and support services. New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. (2024). Programs and services. https://opdv.ny.gov/