Annie was always a good nurse, but things started slowly changing after she met Don. Her coworker, Gloria, was worried. Patient care on the unit was suffering and by the look on Annie’s face every morning during report, so was she. Gloria had grave concerns for Annie’s safety at home because of Annie’s attempt to conceal her bruises with thick makeup. Once a bright and happy woman, Annie was fading away. When Annie started going out with Don, she couldn’t talk about anything else. But now when someone asked how things were going, she’d abruptly change the subject. Quiet and more sullen, Annie started isolating herself from her coworkers. When the nurses went out together after work, she didn’t join them anymore saying, “I really need to get home. Don doesn’t want me out at night.” Gloria wanted to help Annie, but how?

Does this scenario sound familiar to you? You’re not alone if it does. Domestic violence is a social problem with its consequences reaching into every corner of the workplace. It reaches even into the nurses station. A woman is beaten every 15 seconds in America. According to the Bureau of National Affairs, domestic violence costs employers 3 to 5 billion dollars annually due to work absenteeism, increased health care costs, higher turnover, and lower productivity. Moreover, harassment at work as well as the time spent awaiting court, reduces a victim’s ability to maintain or secure employment. Also, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health shows that murder is the third leading cause of death in the workplace, and the first among female employees. Of the 1,071 workplace deaths nationwide in 1994, 17% of the female victims were killed by a spouse or former spouse. Domestic violence affects women in all walks of life: housewives, executives, and yes - even nurses. Nurses need to educate themselves about the signs of domestic violence.

There are some things that you can do if you suspect that someone you know is a victim of domestic violence. Find a private place to talk and have the conversation when you’re less likely to be interrupted. Clearly identify the problems that you are seeing. This opens the door for the other person to bring up the subject of abuse. Express your concern and make a statement of support. If the nurse doesn’t self disclose, no further questioning or speculation should be made. However, end the conversation by giving her the telephone number to the hospital’s EAP coordinator. If she does open up, you should encourage the individual to seek help. Help her find ways to increase her safety at work, and let her know that she can get counseling services through the hospital’s EAP program.

Creating a plan of action is the first step in providing a safer workplace for the victim of domestic violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence, ask for temporary changes in your work schedule or workstation if you are being harassed at work. Have someone screen your calls or ask to have your phone number or email addresses changed. Get an order of protection and take a copy of it to the security office with a picture of your abuser. With hospital security alerted, the facility’s security officers can be on the lookout and remove the offender if he comes to the workplace. Also ask security to escort you to your car at the end of your shift. Taking these steps can keep the workplace safer for everyone. Putting an end to domestic violence in this country won’t happen over night. But with motivation, education and compassion, nurses can make a difference in the workplace.

Come join the discussion about domestic violence in the workplace at Nursing Voices. Tell us your story. We want to hear from you.