Indicators of Intimate Partner Violence in Women's Employment

TLDR

The study investigated how intimate partner violence indicators and consequences affect women's employment and the types and levels of violence experienced. Researchers interviewed 90 women seeking protective orders, assessing violence with the Severity of Violence Against Women Scales and querying workplace harassment through eight questions. Most abused women (87%) had been employed and 89% reported partner‑related workplace harassment, with findings linking IPV to lost productivity, reduced performance, tardiness, and absenteeism.

Abstract

The study examined the indicators and consequences of intimate partner violence on women's employment and associated types and levels of violence. Interviews were conducted with a consecutive sample of 90 women seeking a protective order. Actual and threatened violence was measured with the Severity of Violence Against Women Scales (46 items). Eight questions were asked about type of harassment experienced at the worksite. The results found most of the abused women had been employed at one time (87%) and had also experienced harassment from an intimate partner related to their work (89%). Findings indicated lost productivity and reduced performance. The researchers concluded poor work performance, tardiness, and absenteeism may indicate an employee is suffering from intimate partner violence.