Why is Family Violence a Workplace Issue?
Occupational violence, including workplace bullying and harassment, has been the focus of a growing number of organisational policies, interventions, and prevention strategies in recent years (e.g., WorkCover New South Wales 2003, WorkSafe Victoria 2003). In addition to occupational health and safety concerns and employer liability issues, there is recognition, today, of the very real effect of verbal abuse, threats and physical violence on workers and workplace productivity (Timo, Fulop & Ruthjersen 2004). Furthermore, research suggests a reciprocal relationship between work and family life “…with the effects of one sphere positively or negatively influencing the other.” (Swanberg, et al. 2005:286). While it is less widely recognised, family violence can similarly affect workers and workplace productivity whether directly or indirectly, though it is rarely considered amongst the literature on violence and the workplace. Direct impacts of family violence can occur across three commonly
