February 12, 2010

Governor Announces New State Employee Domestic Violence Policy

Policy Assists State Employees Threatened by Domestic Violence

Dover, DE – Governor Jack A. Markell announced to state employees a new State of Delaware Domestic Violence Policy that will better assist state employees who are victims of domestic violence, delivering on a pledge the Governor made in October 2009 in Executive Order 12.

“No one should go to work in fear. We want employees who feel threatened by domestic violence to get the help and support they need.  This policy is designed to put victims at ease discussing and seeking assistance for their individual situation.  We will not tolerate domestic violence of any type or magnitude,” said Markell.

One-in-four women are likely to be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime.  More than 90% of domestic violence victims are women.

Delaware’s new Domestic Violence Policy for state employees was drafted by the Human Resources Management Section of the Office of Management and Budget in conjunction with advocacy groups. It provides guidelines and procedures to assist state employees affected by domestic violence.

“This will further victims’ rights,” said Sandy Reyes, Esq., who was instrumental in developing the policy and is Manager of Employee Relations for the Human Resources Section of the Office of Management and Budget. “The victim has a choice to disclose whether they are a victim of domestic violence. We want to empower victims, not tell them what to do. Our goal is to help victims be comfortable so that ultimately, they feel more secure and supported in their work environment.”

The state will reasonably accommodate victims needing assistance in areas such as work schedule adjustments, temporary relocations to a new office, parking space re-assignments, and security escorts. Photographs of perpetrators may be provided to security and if an employee agrees, co-workers may be advised of the situation.  Each state agency shall designate an individual who may assist with domestic violence issues within that agency.  Employees who are victims may choose to notify that designated individual or a supervisor.  The policy is consistent with applicable federal and state law, merit rules and collective bargaining agreements. The state is encouraging employee/victims to retain any evidence of domestic violence activity, such as threatening emails, text or voice-mail messages.

“Domestic violence is a huge societal problem that can be physical, emotional, economic, psychological or sexual.  This policy identifies specific ways we can help victims,” said Markell.

The new policy was distributed in an e-mail to state employees today.

Agencies instrumental in developing the policy included the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, chaired by Senator Patricia Blevins; the Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence; ContactLifeline; the Domestic Violence Task Force of the Delaware Commission for Women, the Victims’ Rights Task Force and the Delaware Center for Justice.