Report by City Club of Eugene, 1999
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In 1999, the City Club of Eugene commissioned a study of domestic violence in our community. The study focused on domestic violence and the workplace -- documenting its impacts and researching local efforts. The study committee developed recommendations that increase awareness of the problem and encourage individual employers and the business community at large to work to mitigate the impact of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is the coercive behavior used by one person to control another in an intimate relationship. Only over the last several decades has much of society begun to understand that domestic violence is a social problem rather than a private matter. More recently, we have recognized that domestic violence does not stay at home. Domestic violence victims and perpetrators come to work and the problem comes with them.

Societal response to domestic violence has been to educate criminal justice and public health organizations in recognizing and responding to incidents of domestic violence, to fashion laws that punish, and to create social service organizations that can educate the public and provide specific services to victims.

Both Oregon and Lane County have often been at the forefront of these changes. Oregon was one of the first states to pass laws specifically criminalizing assaults between household members. Local law enforcement agencies receive training in recognizing and responding to domestic violence. Lane County had one of the first domestic violence shelter organizations in the country, with Womenspace formed in 1977. The lane County Domestic Violence Council, one of the first in the state, was formed in 1993.

Businesses pay a high price for domestic violence. It has tangible costs: reduced productivity, disruption in the workplace, higher medical costs, sick leave, and attrition. Additional potential costs include injury, homicide, damaging publicity, and legal costs.

Businesses face barriers to addressing the problem. Addressing domestic violence and workplace safety creates another demand on limited company resources. Though the investment pays off in lower employee costs and lowered risk, it initially requires management time in research and implementation and training of personnel. Many barriers are the result of societal beliefs: concerns about confidentiality and misunderstandings about the dynamics of domestic violence.

Businesses can benefit by developing strategies for responding to domestic violence. The value of employees and the value of investments in their health and safety are well documented. One eighth of any female workforce is likely to be domestic violence victims. An effective workplace response to domestic violence enhances the work environment for many employees.

One-third of domestic violence victims at one time or another have turned to a supervisor or co-worker for assistance.

This study shows the impact -- financial and otherwise -- of domestic violence on business. It shows the local business communityÕs perception of the problem and its response. The study also provides employers, large and small, access to policies, strategies, and tools to help make every workplace safer for employees, to reduce a companyÕs liability risk, and to improve worker morale and productivity.

This study recommends that:

1. The City Club take leadership in encouraging the business community to respond to domestic violence. City Club should bring together key business leaders and should create its own implementation committee and follow-up mechanism.
    
2. Business leaders create an on-going forum to address domestic violence in the workplace. This forum would lend credibility to the issue, publicize its costs to employers, and encourage individual businesses to deal with the problem.
    
3. Employers take steps to create a safe workplace for all employees, including domestic violence victims. An effective strategy should include policies, benefits, security, and employee support and education.
    
4. Unions encourage employers to address domestic violence. Unions should educate their members and negotiate contract terms that support domestic violence victims and create safer workplaces.

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Reprinted 3/04.
For a copy of the full report ($10) contact City Club of Eugene:
541/485-7433, or send an email to the City Club.