Workshop on Domestic Violence in the Workplace

Date: Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Time: 8:15 a.m.— 12:30 p.m.
Location: New Hanover County Government Center
230 Government Center Drive (located between Racine Drive and College Road)
Human Resources Training Rooms A&B

On a national level, domestic violence costs employers $5-8 billion annually. As a business leader, it negatively impacts productivity, morale, absenteeism, healthcare costs, and the bottom line. For the past seven years, the Business Community Action Team of EVOLVE Wilmington! has been working with several New Hanover County employers on tackling this problem head-on.

EVOLVE Wilmington! and Verizon are co-sponsoring a workshop on 27 September 2011 for employers.  The half-day workshop discussing specific tactics on how you can protect your bottom line. Topics will include: How domestic violence affects the workplace Safety and security Awareness and education Employee support measures Accountability and legal issues

The workshop’s keynote speaker will be Johnny Lee, the founder of Peace at Work. Mr. Lee is the developer of the Employment and Domestic Violence Matrix which is currently used around the world to show how employment is a protective factor for Domestic Violence prevention. He has conducted a research study on over 500 cases of domestic violence assaults that have occurred in the workplace and has also authored the book, Domestic Violence in the Workplace.

For more information, or to register to attend, please email Rick Houston or call him at 910-343-9969, Ext. 22.  A continental breakfast will be served.

As a precursor to the workshop, Telling Amy’s Story, a video on domestic violence, will be shown on Monday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m.in UNCW’s Lumina Theater located in the Fisher Building. This film documents the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred in central Pennsylvania in 2001. It is narrated by the detective who led the case review and documents the many opportunities where those around Amy—including her employer—might have gotten involved or sought help. Following the film a panel discussion will be held to allow local leaders to discuss how our community is – or should – respond to the issue.

Both events are free and open to the public.