Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence


			FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 2002 MAYOR COLEMAN SIGNS NEW FAMILY VIOLENCE POLICY TO COMPREHENSIVELY ADDRESS FAMILY VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE Partners with Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence to make City a safer workplace for its 10,000 employees (COLUMBUS) - The Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman are joining forces to respond to family violence in the workplace. On Monday, May 13, Mayor Coleman unveiled a new family violence policy for the City with Coalition Founder and Board Chair Abigail S. Wexner. With this, Columbus is in the forefront of American cities with a complete, comprehensive program to address this issue. "Unfortunately, domestic violence is one of the most prevalent crimes in our community. In 2000, there were 6,000 cases in Franklin County alone. These crimes tear at the fabric of our society," Coleman said. "That's why we are proud to step forward as one of the area's largest employers to put in place a full scale program with policies, practices, protocols and resources to deal with family violence." "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, the City is embarking on a massive campaign to educate our nearly 10,000 employees about family violence. Over the next year we will train 1,500 managers and supervisors so they know how to help victims," Mayor Coleman said. The Coalition produced for the City wallet sized resource cards for use in employee restrooms and posters for break rooms with the City's specific resource numbers to call for help. In addition, the Coalition and the City are producing an employee video to 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 Wexner also outlined the services that are available at no cost to businesses of any size 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 as 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 "The Coalition is working to change how society views this crime. It takes a whole community to solve this problem of family violence. This crime is preventable and one we can solve," she added.