Domestic Violence in the Workplace

State of Illinois Model Policy Guide for Employers

"In a first of its kind project for any state in the country, Illinois has developed a model policy for domestic violence and sexual assault and the workplace for Illinois employers. Currently, some states have policies for state workers, but Illinois is the first to offer such a model policy to all employers. While usage of the policy is voluntary, the state hopes that by promoting the model policy, many Illinois workplaces -- large and small -- will take advantage of the policy."

"The policy and program, called the Illinois Employers Awareness and Assistance Program (IEAAP) is a tool to provide businesses with the best practices and policies concerning domestic violence and sexual assault awareness in the workplace."

"The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) oversees the task force which developed the Illinois Model Policy and IEAAP Program. The task force is comprised of members from the business community, employees, employee organizations, representatives from the Department of Labor, and directors of domestic violence and sexual assault programs, including representatives of statewide advocacy organizations for the prevention of domestic violence and sexual assault."

"The Illinois business community is being very progressive in addressing both the issues of domestic violence and sexual assault in this model policy," said DCCA Director Pam McDonough. "We encourage companies, no matter how big or small, to incorporate parts or all of this program in an effort to eliminate these problems in workplaces across the State."

Excerpts from "Guidelines for Addressing Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault"....

"The State of Illinois encourages all businesses to develop explicit policies to provide a safe and helpful working environment for employees currently or potentially experiencing the effects of domestic violence or sexual assault. This guideline provides businesses with suggested best practices, policies, and procedures to consider in addressing sexual assault and domestic violence issues in the workplace. This model is a standard to which businesses may look for guidance in policy and procedure development.   ...If a company is interested in developing domestic violence and/or sexual assault policies and procedures, there are domestic violence and sexual assault agencies available for collaboration in the process. Companies are also encouraged to contact and partner with local service providers and law enforcement agencies....

The purpose of this model is to heighten the awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault and provide guidance for management and employees in addressing these issues in the workplace. Components of this model may be adopted in whole or in part, or incorporated into your company's existing policies."

Table of Contents

A. Why Employers Should Address Domestic Violence
      and Sexual Assault
B. Model Policy Statement

II. Tools for Employers to Implement Model Policy

A. Guidelines for Employer Response
B. Management Training
C. Employee Awareness and Prevention Activities
D. Workplace Safety Assessments

III. Illinois Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

IV. Appendix with Additional Resources

A. Sample Policies
B. Illinois Employer Initiatives
C. Prevention Education Activities
D. Additional Resources