News for Businesses from Family Crisis Center

Family Crisis Center, Inc.

"Helping take the CRISIS of domestic violence out of families for over 30 years."

NEWSLETTER Special Issue

Dear (Contact First Name),

It has been over three months since the tragic shootings at Emcore that shattered Albuquerque residents, and even affected families here in San Juan County. Before this tragedy is long forgotten it is important that we start the conversation about workplace violence. While these types of tragedies are limited, the reality is that businesses can, at any time, be affected by family violence...domestic violence doesn't just happen in the home. Please share this special issue with associates and colleagues who may have an interest.
Family Crisis Center has teamed up with the Farmington Chamber of Commerce to bring this issue to light in our community. Below you will find relevant information, resources, and helpful tips for our community and businesses to address this very important subject.

Sincerely,
Amber Valencia,
Community Outreach Coordinator

We also have a Facebook Page. Make sure you "like" us to keep up-to-date with everything FCC!

Special Note from Dorothy Nobis, Farmington Chamber of

Commerce

Domestic violence destroys lives, families, relationships and careers.

Domestic violence isn't just a crime of the less fortunate. It is a disease - a cancer - that is found in homes regardless of economic base, race, religion, or prominence in the community. Domestic violence can happen in the home of respected professionals and minimum wage earners. Domestic violence doesn't care what neighborhood you live in, where you shop or the kind of car you drive. Domestic violence is ugly, destructive and kills.

Every employer should be able to recognize the signs of domestic violence. And every employer should understand the importance of offering help to an employee who might be the victim of domestic violence. The cost of domestic violence is more than a doctor's visit or a trip to the emergency room. Days lost from work, distraction while at work, and physical and emotional pain and suffering can cost a business thousands of dollars a year.

Please, find out how you can help employees you suspect might be victims of domestic violence. Learn the signs, offer help and most importantly - follow through with that help. A victim of DV often feels alone, without a trusting friend, and afraid. Be that victim's friend. Let them know they are not alone. Offer to help them find a safe haven.

I encourage every business owner and manager to work with the Family Crisis Center in helping victims of domestic violence. By helping, you can safe a life. It's worth the effort.

Dorothy Nobis

President/CEO Farmington Chamber of Commerce

FarmingtonChamber of Commerce

Did you know...
In NM, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime?

It is certain that any mid to large-sized company has employees affected by domestic violence.

Domestic Violence is not only a safety issue, but it can affect your bottom line.

Lost Productivity
Health Related Costs
Absenteeism

Just how much is lost each year? According to the Family Violence Prevention Fund:

The annual cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence is estimated as $727.8 million, with over $7.9 million paid workdays lost each year.
In one case, a wrongful death action against an employer who failed to respond to an employee's risk of domestic violence on the job cost the employer $850,000.
The costs of inimate partner violence exceed $8 billion each year, $4.1 billion of which is for direct medical and mental health care services, much of which is paid for by the employer.

What Business CAN Do:

*Train key personnel and security on issues related to recognizing domestic violence, responding to victims and referring specialized services. Employers can also link employees with Employee Assistance Programs.

*Have a policy specific to domestic violence and let emplyees know that work is a safe place to disclose abuse. Sample policy

*Talk about it. Have a quick educational session at a staff meeting about domestic violence and help available in the community.

*Take a stand against domestic violence. Let your employees know that you do not support or condone any type of violence, especially violence in the home.

*If an employee discloses that they are experiencing abuse, see if there is anything the business can do to make them feel safe at work (eg) changing work stations, changing extensions, finding different shifts to work. If a victim is being stalked by an abuser, these things can help alleviate what they are experiencing.

As part of a series of initiatives designed to prevent violence and help victims, on Wednesday President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden launched: <http://www.workplacesrespond.org/> Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence: A National Resource Center, an unprecedented new resource that makes it easier than ever for employers to adopt vitally important policies to protect employees from domestic and sexual violence.

The key is to be able to refer to needed services. By speaking out, you may save a life and prevent something that could affect your business.

Family Crisis Center's Education and Outreach Program Offers training for interested businesses.

Senate Bill 68 Promoting Financial Independence for Victims of Domestic Abuse

Click Here to read the full bill

Enacted in the 2009 Legislative Session, SB 68 is intended to allow victims of domestic violence to maintain their economic independence by allowing a victim to have up to 14 days off from work to meet with prosecutors, law enforcement, advocates and for court proceedings related to a domestic violence incidents. This time-off can be paid or unpaid, depending on your businesses leave policies.