Comments on: What You Need to Know About Workplace Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence

By: Tina

Tina — Wed, 28 Sep 2016 15:16:46 +0000

In reply to Annie. I completely agree! The poster idea is fantastic. In the past, when clients have revealed to us that they're victims, we've made "appointments" for them for hair services, but really arranged for them to see DV counselors and social workers in our back room. This is back when I was heavily involved in Cut-It-Out, so we were seen as a safe place. The abusers never suspected anything. They'd drop off their partner at our shop and pick them up after, never realizing that the appointment wasn't really for services. Over the last fifteen years, we did this for three women. I've long been a fan of magnetic locks on the entry doors. Not just to deter theft, but to keep things like this from happening too.

By: Annie

Annie — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 00:48:15 +0000

I’m far from ashamed to say I’m a dv victim. I agree that Florida does have many dv resoucres for women and children. And yes, I can also agree that they suck at protecting victims and that it’s also the victim’s choice to put up with the system to get justice served; just like any other crime that police recognize as victimless. Needless to say, I do believe that employers need to take action in protecting their business, especially starting with the employees. I believe women’s top reason for searching for employment is to break free of an abusive relationship where the man, or dominant female, has control of the fiscal establishment in the household. Every business predominately run by women should have a laminated dv resource poster posted near the salon’s regulations, msds, monthly goals, state laws, etc. Why? Because every employee at some point of their employment will need to refer to at least three of those posts.. One of those posts being domestic violence references. Whether its for theirself or a loved one. Secondly, I do believe that employers and employees, including the independent contractors, need to establish a relationship close enough to be comfortable enough to say “Hey!! I am or have been dealin with dv and the abuser knows where i work. I need help to keep the abuser out of this blessed workplace. How can you help.

By: Laura Bates

Laura Bates — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 13:52:44 +0000

I would as a salon owner, have myself and my employees take a self defense class, ask the local police to up their patrols by my salon, have a husband/boyfriend/significant other/friend(s) to kind of hangout, and finally get a concealed hand weapon license for when that piece of paper doesn’t protect your employees/clients/friends.

By: Tina

Tina — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 02:03:59 +0000

In reply to Crystal. I totally agree. I'd be willing to support a victim seeking help in any way possible, but if it looks like a neverending, progressing cycle of escalating violence, that's when I'd have to make an extremely tough decision, one that would likely require multiple lawyers to facilitate.

By: Tina

Tina — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 01:49:27 +0000

In reply to Stacy Fix. Good! I was sitting there reading the legislation like, "Am I a horrible person or does this not make ANY sense for anyone involved?" Glad to know I'm not the only one!

By: Crystal

Crystal — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 01:48:39 +0000

It would be the worst position to be in, to have to make that call.
I will say that I once worked with someone who, short version, threatened to come in our office and ‘shoot the printer, then shoot all of you…’ I went to the bosses about it. With other conversations in mind, I had reason for concern. He was let go. I was scared for months… I made a plan to hide/escape. I stopped working late at night alone (which was usually my most productive time). But, I felt it was for the safety of the office to speak up. I’ve never regretted that decision. I’m so thankful nothing ever did happen. Oh, and the inner office doors got locks after he left, making it more difficult for someone to just walk back from reception to the offices…
I would say, though, I think there should be some way to discuss this with the DV victim and make some sort of arrangement to keep everyone safe, even if it means he/she take a temporary extended leave of absence… Surely they would want their fellow team members to be safe, too….

By: Stacy Fix

Stacy Fix — Sat, 17 Sep 2016 01:31:20 +0000

This topic is completely relevant and important. I’ve literally NEVER seen this topic addressed and I appreciate you going there. Your feelings 100% mirror my own.