Workplace Safety

When family violence or domestic violence follows the victim to work, it becomes a workplace problem according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Across Canada, it is an employer’s duty to ensure that employers have a safe and healthy workplace including protection from violence. If it is safe, available and appropriate, consider the following:

• Discuss with your management or HR (if you feel comfortable and safe) the situation with your abuser to help develop a safety plan.
• Provide your supervisor and company security with a copy of your protection order (if you have one).
• Provide your employer’s security and reception people with your partner’s photograph.
• Ask security to escort you to and from the parking lot or to public transportation.
• Screen your telephone calls.
• Consider changing your work schedule and travel patterns to and from work.
• Save threatening emails, voicemails, letters and gifts in case you choose to use the legal system.This evidence will be helpful, if you have a protection order. This will help you prove that your partner or ex-partner is violating the order.

• Request your workspace be moved to a more secure area or to another site if possible.
• Get a donated cell phone from your local domestic violence shelter. This will provide you with another way to contact help or emergency services, if needed. Staying safe is of top importance during this difficult time.

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