Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland on Wednesday signed an executive order that establishes a policy for state agencies to manage domestic violence and its impact on the workplace.
The Barbara Warner Workplace Domestic Violence Policy will provide guidance to state agencies in addressing and reducing occurrences of domestic violence and its impact on the workplace. Warner, an Ohio Department of Health employee who was a victim of domestic violence, was murdered by her husband in 1997.
“Domestic violence in and outside of the workplace has become increasingly prevalent,” Strickland said. “As an employer, the state must foster a safe working environment for all employees and provide the resources necessary to assist a worker who may be the victim of a domestic violence situation.”
Studies show that domestic violence occurrences can impact the workplace through increased absenteeism, increased employee turnover, reduced productivity and excessive heath care costs.
“This policy will ensure that state agencies offer the necessary services and flexibility to employees who may be dealing with the physical and emotional distress caused by a domestic violence situation,” Strickland said.
In addition, the policy ensures that victims of domestic violence will not face discrimination in employment decisions and that their identity will remain confidential.
All state employees will receive training on the domestic violence policy, which should be implemented by state agencies by July 1, 2009.
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