Tips for Managers

While domestic/intimate partner violence seems like a personal issue, it can become a workplace safety issue because the controlling partner knows where and when to find the victim. If the controlling partner comes to Johns Hopkins, faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors can be at risk for violence.

Research indicates that the victim is at greatest risk when the relationship begins to end. She or he becomes more safe as time passes. That said, you should rely on key indicators of domestic violence to determine if you should reach out to Safe at Hopkins.

From cases at Johns Hopkins, we know the following behaviors are key indicators of a violent domestic relationship.

The victim:

• Repeatedly calls out sick
• Has unlikely bruises or injuries
• Is in a contentious divorce or child custody agreement (Court appearances are peek times of stress on the relationship.)

The controlling partner:

• Constantly contacts the victim while at work
• Comes to the victim's work site, especially during conflict in the relationship
• Contacts coworkers to express false concern and/or spread rumors
• Says things or acts in ways that could cause the victim to be fired

Other key indicators:

• Coworkers express concern
• Employee has notified you of a restraining order
• Employee has multiple requests for financial assistance (this might occur in other circumstances that do not involve domestic violence)