Project Overview
Intimate Partner Violence and the Workplace is a 3-year project (2015- 2018) funded by Status of Women Canada.
There is a growing awareness of the impact that IPV can have on a workplace- for survivors of violence, individuals who perpetrate violence, coworkers, and managers.
PATHS is working with a Steering Committee comprised of members from unions, crown corporations, non-profit, government, policing, and survivors of violence.
As part of this project, a pilot is being conducted with employees of SGEU (Saskatchewan Government and General Employees’ Union) to review policies, procedures, and contract language to better support individuals experiencing IPV.
Research
In 2016 and early 2017, PATHS conducted survey, focus group, and interview research asking Saskatchewan workers and employers about their experiences of IPV in workplaces. 437 participants completed the survey and 27 individuals participated in interviews and focus groups. The findings, as well as a literature review, including legislation in other jurisdictions, and recommendations are included in our report Intimate Partner Violence & the Workplace: Results of a Saskatchewan Study.
- Download the full report Intimate Partner Violence & the Workplace: Results of a Saskatchewan Study here.
- Download the Executive Summary here.
- Download the infographic here.
Education
As part of this project, PATHS offers the Make It Our Business training program in Saskatchewan. Make It Our Business provides information and education to help employers and employees respond to domestic violence in the workplace. This training outlines how employers, supervisors, managers, human resources professionals, security personnel, union representatives, and co-workers can recognize abusive relationships, respond to domestic violence, and refer victims and abusers to supports that offer help. The Make It Our Business training was developed by Western Education’s Centre for Research & Education on Violence against Women & Children (CREVAWC).
The Make It Our Business training program includes different training levels:
- 1 hour IPV & the Workplace Overview- intended for all employees within an organization as a primer on recognizing IPV and knowing how to respond and refer
- Full day IPV & the Workplace Training- a more in-depth look at the dynamics of IPV and how to recognize, respond, and refer
PATHS can also tailor the length and content of the presentation to suit your organization’s needs—please contact PATHS for more details (paths@sasktel.net or 306-522-3515).
Download PATHS Make It Our Business booklets below (or contact us for print copies):
Make It Our Business: Recognize & Respond to Domestic Violence in Your Workplace
Make It Our Business: I Need Safety and Support at Work
Make It Our Business: Problems at Home Can Come to Work
We all can make a difference.
- Employers can make a difference in their workplaces and in the lives of employees who are facing abuse by sending a clear message that they are on the side of ending violence.
- Unions can work with their members and management to support victims of IPV through supportive policies.
- Governments can ensure that Occupational Health and Safety Standards and other legislation reflect the realities of IPV as governments in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta have begun to do.
