2. Safe Access for Employees (S.A.F.E.)

Safe Access for Employees (S.A.F.E.)

About the S.A.F.E. Program

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development has undertaken an initiative to help employers allow employees subject to domestic abuse or sexual violence seek needed assistance without fear of adverse job consequences. Those employers will work with affected employees to ensure their confidentiality, provide job-protected time off in appropriate circumstances, and not discriminate against the affected employee because they are subject to domestic abuse or sexual violence. As a result, those employers will be recognized as S.A.F.E.

Wisconsin employers of any industry and any size can commit to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's S.A.F.E. Initiative by implementing a domestic abuse and sexual violence policy that emphasizes confidentiality, job-protected time off, and non-discrimination.

Suggested workplace practices can encourage affected employees to share their circumstances with their employer in situations where this may be necessary or beneficial. This allows the employer to plan for foreseeable work interruptions to minimize disruption and maximize productivity, undertake any appropriate workplace safety measures, and direct the affected employee to needed assistance or resources.

Resources for Victims

Resources for victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence:

• Hotlines
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – (800) 799-SAFE (7233)
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline – (800) 656-HOPE (4673)
• Advocacy groups
  • DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services) – (608) 251-1237
  • End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin – (608) 255-0539
• State Agencies
  • Department of Children and Families: Domestic Abuse Information
  • Department of Justice: Office of Crime Victim Services
• Wisconsin State Statutes regarding Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence
  • https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/108/04/7/s/1/a
  • https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/103/10/1m/c/3/c

Resources for Employers

Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Workplace Sample Policies

These are sample policies that meet the requirements of the S.A.F.E. program. Employers should work with their own legal counsel or human resources leadership to draft policy language appropriate for their particular organization. For further technical assistance, contact the Equal Rights Division.

• Workplaces Respond to Domestic & Sexual Violence - Sample Workplace Policy
• Sample Policy Template

Creating a safety plan:

DAIS (Domestic Abuse Intervention Services) - Services and Resources (608) 251-4445 or (800) 747-4045

Statistics

• A 2011 survey revealed that 714,000 Wisconsin women have been physically abused, sexually assaulted, or stalked by an intimate partner. (1)
• Each year, about 30,000 domestic abuse incidents come to the attention of local Wisconsin law enforcement agencies. (2)
• As many as 96% of domestic violence victims who are employed experience problems at work due to abuse, 56% are late to work, 54% miss entire days of work, and 28% leave work early. (3)
• Between 21-60% of victims of domestic violence lose their jobs due to reasons stemming from abuse. (4)
• In a year, American employees miss 175,000 workdays on account of domestic violence. (5)
• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the annual cost of lost productivity due to domestic violence is $1.17 billion nationally. (6)
• About 65% of companies do not have a formal workplace domestic violence prevention policy and only about 20% of companies offer training on domestic violence. (7)

Become a S.A.F.E. Employer

How employers can become S.A.F.E. Employer certified:

• Implement workplace policy that includes:
  • confidentiality of reported domestic abuse or sexual violence situations,
  • non-discrimination against the employee who is a victim,
  • and job-protected time off.
• Complete DWD's S.A.F.E. Employer Certification application

How to tell if an employer is part of the S.A.F.E. Initiative:

• Look for the S.A.F.E. logo/sticker on the employer's website or place of business.
• Ask the employer about their domestic abuse and sexual violence policy.

Contact Information

Email: erinfo@dwd.wisconsin.gov

Phone: 608-266-6860