Domestic Violence and the Workplace

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Domestic violence is a pervasive issue that extends far beyond the home, with serious impacts on survivors’ health, safety, and financial security. For many survivors, economic abuse undermines their ability to secure, maintain, and advance in employment. This not only threatens their independence and well-being but also places heavy costs on workplaces and the wider economy. Employers, coworkers, and communities all have a role to play in reducing these harms and supporting survivors.

How Economic Abuse Affects Employment

Survivors of abuse often face significant challenges to employment. Abusers may control finances, isolate them from support, or sabotage interviews, making it difficult to secure work. Health challenges caused by abuse can also impact confidence and job readiness. Gaps in work history due to relocation, court dates, or medical needs often raise red flags with employers, and disclosure of abuse may lead to stigma or bias.

A common form of economic abuse is employment sabotage, reported by up to 78% of survivors. [1] Tactics include preventing job searches, hiding transportation, disrupting childcare, or pressuring survivors to quit their jobs—sometimes forcing them into unpaid work for the abuser. Abuse also frequently extends to education sabotage, with 66% of survivors reporting disrupted schooling or training through withheld funds, damaged equipment, or forced absences.

Challenges of Maintaining Employment

Even after securing work, survivors may face ongoing challenges that affect stability and career growth. Absences due to injuries, court dates, or safety planning are common, and some abusers escalate control by harassing survivors at work through calls, stalking, or in-person visits. These disruptions, combined with the psychological effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, can impair concentration and job performance. Research shows about half of survivors have lost at least one job due to abuse, and many are pushed into part-time or unstable work. [2]

Over time, repeated absences, job loss, and career interruptions limit access to promotions, retirement benefits, and financial security. This instability makes it harder to afford safe housing or leave abusive partners, reinforcing dependence. The broader economic toll is significant as well—domestic violence costs the U.S. over $3.1 trillion each year in health care, social services, and lost productivity. [3]

Ripple Effects in the Workplace

Domestic and dating violence doesn’t only harm the survivor. Its effects ripple outward:

●     Coworkers may take on extra duties, feel unsafe if abusers show up, or struggle with how to respond to disclosures.

●     Workplaces face increased safety risks, decreased productivity, lower morale, and higher turnover.

●     Persons causing harm may misuse employer resources (like phones or vehicles) to stalk or harass, further disrupting the workplace.

The Critical Role of Employers

Employment can be a source of safety, stability, and independence for survivors, but only if workplaces actively create supportive environments. Employers have both a moral and legal responsibility to act. Here are some steps employers can take:

1. Develop strong workplace policies that explicitly address domestic and dating violence, harassment, stalking, and sexual assault. Include confidentiality protections, safety planning, and reporting procedures.
2. Offer support and accommodations such as flexible schedules, remote work, relocation options, paid leave, or Employee Assistance Programs.
3. Improve safety measures with security protocols, escorts to transportation, silent alarms, or restricted visitor access if necessary.
4. Raise awareness and provide training so managers and staff recognize signs of abuse, know how to respond without stigma or victim-blaming, and understand available resources.
5. Foster a culture of dignity and care where all employees feel safe to seek support without fear of losing their job.

Domestic violence severely disrupts survivors’ access to stable employment and financial independence, fueling cycles of control and abuse. These harms are not private matters, they spill into workplaces, communities, and the economy at large.

Employment can be a lifeline, offering survivors financial stability and a path to safety. By implementing thoughtful policies, offering flexibility, and creating a culture of care, employers can play a transformative role. Supporting survivors is not only the right thing to do; it also builds a safer, more resilient, and more productive workforce for all.

*If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse or would like confidential advice, SAFE HARBOR is here to help.

Our helpline is open 24/7: (804) 500-2755