Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence


			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 03, 2002 LOCAL COMPANY PARTNERS WITH COALITION TO TRAIN OVER 11,000 EMPLOYEES TO RESPOND TO FAMILY VIOLENCE The Kroger Company to address family violence in the workplace in partnership with Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence (COLUMBUS) - The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and the Kroger Company are joining forces to respond to family violence in the workplace. On Monday, May 6, Coalition Founder and Board Chair Abigail S. Wexner; Kroger Company President, Columbus Division Marnette Perry; and Limited, Inc. Vice President of Special Projects and Coalition Business Community Task Force Chair Al Dietzel will announce the partnership at the Downtown Rotary Club Meeting. The meeting begins at noon at the Hyatt Regency, 350 North High Street, in the Franklin Room. "Family violence is a preventable problem and a bottom line business issue. It is also a crime. We want women to be helped at work rather than punished for being victims. Employers can do this by creating a work environment where employees are comfortable coming forward and seeking help." Wexner said. "With the Coalition's help, Kroger is embarking on a massive campaign to educate our more than 11,000 local employees about family violence. With the participation of our employee assistance program (EAP), we've trained 300 managers at 80 stores," Perry said. "Our EAP has been prepared to handle employees' calls or concerns. We want our employees to report abuse to their supervisors - whether they are victims or if a co-worker is a victim - so they can be directed to corporate and community resources to help. We also have a corporate policy in place against violence and supervisor guidelines for dealing with batterers." The Coalition produced for Kroger wallet sized resource cards for use in employee restrooms and posters for break rooms with Kroger's specific resource numbers to call for help. In addition, the Coalition and Kroger produced an employee video that will be played in break rooms. The video includes information on the warning signs of abuse and how co-workers can appropriately respond if they suspect someone is being abused. Businesses can help victims of family violence by creating an environment that does not tolerate abuse through: Training staff, including - EAP, management, human resources and security Developing policies related to leave and benefits, security procedures and confidentiality Displaying resource information such as the phone number for CHOICES, Columbus' local domestic violence organization and shelter Dietzel outlined the services that are available to all businesses through the Coalition. These include: Customized work place trainings with Coalition staff for managers, security, human resources and other staffers about family violence Best practices information, such model business policies and procedures to deal with victims and batterers Educational materials to help employees better understand the issue. These include free posters, videos, brochures and wallet cards to reach out to employees and educate them on this complex issue "We are not in the business of being social workers or counselors, however we can provide information where victims can get help. These programs are helpful and they work," Dietzel said. "The Coalition is working to change how society views this crime. It takes a whole community to solve this problem of family violence. As business people, we are part of this community and cannot turn our backs. This crime is preventable and one we can solve." The Coalition focuses its work on five touch points - where the victim and societal institutions intersect - with task forces working to create systemic change. These task forces are: Business Community/Public Education, Faith Community, Health Care, Legal System and Victim Services. Founded in 1998, The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence is comprised of leaders from businesses and organizations in Central Ohio committed to reforming our systems to stop the cycle of violence in our community. The Coalition's mission is to promote a community culture that supports victims and does not tolerate family violence Ð a pervasive crime that hurts everyone. The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence is located at 700 Children's Drive in Columbus and can be reached at (614) 722-5985.