October 8, 1999

Sharon is a 35-year-old MGH employee. Last year her work performance declined, she began taking more personal phone calls and seemed distracted. When her supervisor showed concern, Sharon disclosed that her husband, who had a history of being verbally abusive, had started making harassing phone calls to her at work and threatened to kill her if she told anybody. One day, Sharon's husband showed up at work, became irate and slapped her. MGH Police and Security were called, and he later was arrested.

Sharon is not an actual person, but her experiences are real. Domestic violence, a pattern of coercive or violent behaviors meant to control an intimate partner, is a serious issue in the United States. One out of every four women will experience domestic violence in an intimate relationship. Although approximately 95 percent of domestic violence incidents occur against women, violence also happens in same sex relationships, and in a small number of cases, includes women assaulting men. Survivors of domestic violence come from all walks of life.

In the past few years, domestic violence resources have significantly increased for employees at the MGH. Ruth Zakarin, LICSW, domestic violence advocate for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), is available by calling 6-6976. HAVEN (Hospitals Helping Abuse and Violence End Now), an initiative of the Department of Social Services, is an advocacy program available to patients, employees and family members at 4-0054. Police and Security (6-2121) offer a variety of services as well.

All services are strictly confidential. Domestic violence can severely affect every aspect of a person's life. According to Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police and Security, domestic violence can prevent an employee from doing his or her job. "Sometimes work is the only safe place for someone who is being victimized, and this is why Police and Security offers many customized services to employees," she says.

All MGH Police and Security officers have undergone rigorous training, including sensitivity training for domestic violence. Police and Security offers services such as officer escorts to court proceedings, help with changing offices and installation of panic buttons and phone traps. More complex services also are available, such as assessments of home and office security, help through the legal process, transportation services, handwriting analysis and background checks. A representative of the department's Special Investigative Unit (SIU) is assigned to each case of domestic violence that is reported.

Police and Security works closely with the EAP and HAVEN to ensure that anybody who wants and needs help receives the best services possible.

The EAP and HAVEN offer counseling, safety planning, support groups and can make referrals to community agencies. They also can help get needed resources, including financial help.

Zakarin says that many women have difficulty leaving abusive relationships. "There are as many reasons to stay as there are people victimized," she says.

"Leaving may involve rearranging your whole life. It may mean losing economic security, friends, a home and a job. It can also be dangerous if the abuser has threatened to kill a partner who leaves."

Safety is a major concern of the EAP, HAVEN and Police and Security. "We find that the best results come from people using multiple services," says Michelman. Any employee affected by domestic violence can utilize the broad range of services offered at the MGH. There also are numerous public organizations that can help. For a national listing, call (800) 799-SAFE.