Since we’re on an 80s theme, I wanted to do two things.
- I want you to have this song stuck in your head — because it’s in mine. I know it’s about a boy, but this song always reminds me of violence against women.
- I want you to weigh in on this subject: have you seen an increase of domestic violence issues at work? If so, do you think it’s because of the faltering economy? Other than the Violence Against Women Act and your EAP, what else can HR do in these kinds of situations?
Luka says it’s not your business, anyway. Is it?
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Props for addressing this Laurie. In my former life I was a Domestic Violence Advocate and spent a lot of year working with abused women and children. In a weird way it’s kind of a super-power now that I am in HR. I can spot an abuser, or someone being abused (both male and female) a mile away. My spider senses tingle and I am right about 99.8% of the time.
I just read this article and thought, geez, HR is on the front lines of so many issues — the economy, personal lives, health, abuse, etc. I never had any personal encounters with domestic violence in my career — although I’m sure violence and abuse existed. I was just unaware.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2008/12/25/recession_can_be_deadly_for_domestic_abuse_victims/
I would never say that something like a recession doesn’t contribute to domestic violence, I know that is must. But if there is domestic violence in a relationship, there was something going on BEFORE somone lost their job, their business is in trouble, their home is being foreclosed on, etc.
It’s about power and control, but extreme circumstances will always eccelerate the situation, and often be blamed as the main source as well.
That is the worst song to have stuck in your head – especially when you are sitting in traffic.
I had a big long comment to make but I think it has morphed into it’s own blog post. Stay tuned!
I had bought the cassette of this album (Solitude Standing)in high school and I have the CD now, I still listen to it once in a while. Luka isn’t even my fave song on it, and neither is “Tom’s Diner”. It’s a good listen.
@HRU I think you’re right that an abuser isn’t triggered by a recession. I just wonder when someone crosses over from ‘douchebag’ to ‘abuser.’
@Jenn Yes! Get writing!
True, abuse is probably not triggered by a recession, but I do believe in the idea that there is a strong sense of identity connected to what one does for a living, whether that is an affiliation with a profession or company, or just the identity tied to a certain income bracket, lifestyle, or the identity of provider afforded by employment. In my own life I have seen the positive results that the threat of job loss, and the loss of that type of identity, can do to trigger addiction treatment and recovery in a way that the threats from family didn’t. That experience makes me believe that the stress of the loss of that same sense of identity could certainly trigger negative behavior.
What can we in HR do? Well crap, that’s the big question, isn’t it? I mean, it seems sort of lame to hand over the EAP brochure and offer a supportive ear doesn’t it? There’s something to be said for the communication of stability of employment if it exists in your company, but if it doesn’t, well then what?
I suppose it does go back to the fact that if this is going to push someone from douchebag to abuser there should be something more we can do, but I’m not trained in this sort of thing, so maybe a start is to be familiar with those who are and pass that info on. Still seems sorta lame though…
Jackbuilt