What is a Domestic Violence policy?

The Domestic Violence policy in the workplace is a set of guidelines and procedures designed to address instances of domestic violence that may affect employees.

The primary goal of the policy is to protect the well-being of employees in the workplace and prevent the negative impact of domestic violence on the workplace. By providing support and resources, the policy helps employees feel safe and supported while also promoting awareness and education about domestic violence issues.

What are key elements addressed in the Domestic Violence policy?

• How should employees report instances of domestic violence?
• What resources and support services are available for employees experiencing domestic violence?
• What confidentiality measures are in place to protect the privacy of employees seeking assistance?
• What steps will the employer take to ensure the workplace safety of employees affected by domestic violence?
• How will the workplace accommodate employees who need time off or other accommodations due to domestic violence?
• What training and awareness programs are in place to educate employees about domestic violence issues?
• How will the employer support employees who are perpetrators of domestic violence in seeking help and rehabilitation?
• What if the perpetrator is a spouse of another employee?
• Etc.

The added value of the policy lies in its proactive approach to addressing a sensitive and often overlooked issue. By acknowledging and responding to domestic violence, workplaces can create a culture of support and empathy, ultimately benefiting both employees and the organization as a whole.

Last but not least, let’s keep in mind that in Rwanda, it’s mandated for any company with five employees or more to establish rules of procedure, including HR policies and procedures.

Engage the KaizenMind team to revitalize your HR policies and procedures, with a focused review of key areas like the Domestic Violence policy.