Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace

Overview

Domestic and sexual violence are pervasive in American society and can have a negative impact in the workplace. 

They cost businesses in increased health care costs, lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and increased employee turnover. One study found that that the short-term economic cost of lost productivity because of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or stalking over victims’ lifetimes is $730 per victim, or $110 billion across the U.S. population, when victims lose time from work and education (Peterson et al., 2016)*.

Not only is there a cost to business, but there is a risk of violence at the workplace, to the survivor and to co-workers. The abusive partner's stalking, threats, harassment, intimidation, and physical violence can follow a victim to work.

Here’s how workplaces can support safety:

*Peterson, C., Liu, Y., Kresnow, M. J., Florence, C., Merrick, M. T., DeGue, S., & Lokey, C. N. (2018). Short-term Lost Productivity per Victim: Intimate Partner Violence, Sexual Violence, or Stalking. American journal of preventive medicine, 55(1), 106–110. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2018.03.007. 

New York State Agencies

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is working to ensure that all state agencies implement best policies and practices for addressing gender-based violence in the workplace that are survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.

To address the impact of gender-based violence in the New York State Workforce, Executive Order 17 requires the adoption of Domestic Violence and the Workplace Policies by all NYS agencies. For questions about the Domestic Violence and the Workplace Model Policy, please contact [email protected]. 

Here are some additional ways that state agencies can support employees in the workplace:

Procurement of Private Businesses

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 5, 2025

Employers who seek to do business with New York State as a bidder for competitive contracts must implement a Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace policy. OPDV hosted informational webinars for state agencies; this document answers questions from the webinars: State Finance Law Section §139-m Implementation FAQ for State Agencies.

State Agencies should utilize this State Finance Law §139-m Policy Attestation Template in their procurements.

For more information, please see below or contact [email protected] if you have further questions.

Private Employers

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 5, 2025

Employers who seek to do business with New York State as a bidder for competitive contracts must implement a Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace policy. Bidders must submit a certification with their bid that their policy is in place in accordance with State Finance Law §139-m and that it meets the following minimum requirements: 

  • Share Information: Employers must provide information regarding gender-based violence where employees can see and access it, including displaying the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline information and a gender-based violence and the workplace poster. When possible, materials should be available in an employee’s primary language. 

  • Refer Employee-Survivors to Services: The policy must require that the employer refer employees who disclose current or past victim status to the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline and/or a local service provider. For bidders outside of New York State, referrals should be made to a local provider or statewide hotline. While referrals are required to be provided by the employer, it is not required for the employee to access services. 

  • Prohibit Retaliation: The policy must clearly state that discrimination or retaliation against employees who identify as victims or survivors of gender-based violence is prohibited. 

  • Comply with Laws: Ensure your policy follows State law. For employers based in New York State, this means that the policy must follow the SAFE Leave Act, New York State Human Rights Law, and any other relevant laws and regulations.  

  • Offer Implementation Support: OPDV is able to assist employers in developing and implementing this policy. Employers must provide information to supervisors and human resources, where available, about this technical assistance from OPDV. OPDV can be contacted at [email protected].  

If a bidder cannot make the certification, the bidder must submit a signed statement explaining the detailed reasons why they cannot implement or have not yet implemented a policy. 

If you have questions about developing your own policy, please contact us as [email protected].  

Keeping Survivors Safe in the Workplace

Employers have an obligation to provide a safe and helpful work environment that responds to their employees' needs. It's important for everyone to do what they can to support victims and survivors of gender-based violence. 

Here are some ways that private employers can support employees in the workplace:

Trainings on GBV and the Workplace

The one-hour training video below is available for use by private employers who intend to implement a gender-based violence and the workplace policy at their organization. Watch to learn more:

There is also a one-hour training video below designed for employees of businesses that have a gender-based violence and the workplace policy: 

 

OPDV also provides trainings to Domestic Violence Agency Liaisons at New York State Agencies. Domestic Violence Agency Liaisons should contact [email protected] if they have not yet been trained.

 

For customized trainings, contact OPDV at [email protected].

Supporting Survivors

Many people who experience domestic or sexual violence don’t know who to turn to or have had bad experiences reaching out for help. In the workplace, employees play an important role in providing support to their colleagues. Willingness to help is important. Being ready to offer the kind of help that’s needed, while staying safe, is even better.

  • Initiate a conversation in private and when you have enough time to talk at length, but only if they want to.
  • Let go of any expectations you have that there is a “quick fix.” Not doing anything may very well be the safest thing they can do at any given time.
  • Challenge false attitudes and beliefs that you may have about domestic or sexual violence. 
  • Believe victims and let them know that you do. If you know the person who has or is abusing them, it may be hard to believe that they are capable of abuse, but remember that abusers typically act differently in public than they do in private.
  • Listen to what they tell you. Avoid making judgments and giving advice. It is important to lift the voices and needs of survivors so that they have the support to get the kind of help that they want. They will let you know what they need.
  • Refer them to a service provider who can discuss their options and share resources.
  • Build on their strengths. Point out the ways in which they developed coping skills, solved problems, and showed courage and determination. 
  • Validate feelings. It is common for victims to have conflicting feelings – love and fear, guilt and anger, hope and sadness. Let them know that these feelings are normal.
  • Avoid victim-blaming. Tell the victim that the abuse is not their fault.
  • Take it seriously. If you are concerned about their safety, tell them you are concerned without judgment by simply saying, “Your situation sounds dangerous and I’m concerned about your safety.”
  • Offer help. Offer specific forms of help and information, such as providing child care, driving them to appointments or assisting with pets.
  • Give them control. Abuse and assault take control away from victims. Support their decisions about who to tell, what steps to take, and what types of support they need. Additionally, asking before offering any physical support such as hugs and being upfront about what support you can and cannot provide allows them to take control of their safety and next steps. 
  • Support and respect their decisions. Remember that there are risks with every decision a victim makes and there is no one way an individual must react to abuse or assault. If you really want to be helpful, be patient and respect their decisions, even if you don’t agree with them.

 

Resources for Survivors

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence, you are not alone. Advocates are standing by to offer free, confidential support, 24/7, in most languages.

Contact the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline:

Call 800-942-6906 - Text 844-997-2121 - Chat

Check out our victim and survivor resources page for more.