Preventing domestic violence in the workplace - AmericaNowNews.com

The statistics are very disturbing - the leading cause of death for women in the workplace is domestic violence. According to the Department of Labor, there have been more than 330 homicides in the workplace over the past decade or so.

A stunning display of how domestic violence can spill over into the workplace happened recently when a woman was working the register at a store when her husband came in and killed her before killing himself.

"What's really important for employers to know is that they have domestic violence victims that are already there," says Kelly Coyne. "This isn't something that happens to those people that work at those types companies. It is really prevalent at all companies."

"Telling Amy's Story" is a movie that tells the story of a woman murdered during her shift at Verizon. Her death inspired managers there to make huge changes.

"They have a fabulous domestic violence in the workplace policy and have really put their money and their training where their mouth is," Coyne says.

Verizon gives employees time off to get restraining orders and other help, and it provides conference rooms for conversations that can't be held at home.

The company relocates workers if they need to move - the lists goes on, and it all benefits both victims and the company.

"If the compelling reason to save lives isn't enough for an employer, it really impacts the bottom line. The Department of Labor estimate $5 billion dollars per year is lost to due to domestic violence," says Coyne.

Domestic violence really can hinder an employees job performance, and those costs also come from other employees who feel their company didn't do enough to protect them.

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