Domestic Violence: How is the Workplace Impacted? (Part 1)

Domestic violence doesn''t stay home when its victims and perpetrators go to work. It often follows them, resulting in some kind of violence at the workplace, including threatening phone calls and other harassment from their partners, contributing to less productivity. With nearly one-third women in North America reportedly being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, the speaker believes it’s a certainty that in any mid-to-large sized company domestic violence is negatively affecting their employees. The speaker will argue it is crucial that domestic abuse be seen as a serious, recognizable and preventable problem like any other workplace health and safety issue, which affect businesses and their bottom line. Do you know what to do if a co-worker lives with abuse? Speaker: Jan Reimer Jan Reimer served as Edmonton’s first woman mayor from1989 to 1995. Prior to that, she was a City Councilor for 9 years. Some of her initiatives included: A waste management plan to solve Edmonton’s land fill crises (including curbside recycling, composting and toxic round-up) and improving the water quality of the North Saskatchewan River as well as preservation of the City’s River Valley. Jan Reimer was born and raised in Edmonton and graduated with a BA from the University of Alberta in 1972, after which she travelled and worked for several years in SE Asia, India and Australia. Jan is presently the Provincial Coordinator for the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. Among her many awards, Jan received a Women of Distinction Special Award from the YWCA and the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case (2006) for her contributions to women’s equality.