Employers ' Perceptions of Intimate Partner Violence among a Diverse Workforce

Objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global public health concern, affecting 5.3 million US individuals an-nually. An estimated 1 in 3 women globally are abused by an intimate partner in their lifetime, and the effects carry over into the workplace. This article examines employers ’ perceptions of IPV in the workplace, targeting supervisors of Latina employees. Methods: Fourteen employers and supervisors of small service-sector companies in Oregon were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interpretive description was used to identify themes. These qualitative interviews preceded and helped to formulate a larger workplace intervention study. Results: The following themes were found and are detailed: (1) factors associated with recognizing IPV in the workplace, (2) ef-fects of IPV on the work environment and (3) supervisors ’ responses to IPVactive vs. passive involvement. Also, supervisors ’ sug-gestions for addressing IPV in the workplace are summarized. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the need for more IPVrelated resources in the workplace to be available to supervi-sors as well as survivors and their coworkers. The needs of supervisors and workplaces vary by site, demonstrating the need for tailored interventions, and culturally appropriate workplace interventions are needed for Latinas and other racially and ethnically diverse populations