Family violence: Guide will help employers respond

Supporting Island families

Violence in families affects those inside and outside the family – and now a new guide will help businesses better support employees who are dealing with family violence.

Addressing Family Violence – A Guide for PEI Workplaces helps employers recognize the signs of family violence, assist employees, and prevent family violence from escalating into the workplace. It is available at https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/publication/addressing-family-violence-and-workplace.

“Even if we are not experiencing violence ourselves, there are actions we can take as bystanders -- such as employers, that can make a positive difference in people’s lives,” Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Sonny Gallant said. “This guide offers helpful information on how to support the employee and connect them with trained professionals who can offer help.”

 Addressing Family Violence – A Guide for PEI Workplaces was first developed for government employees and was recently updated to be a resource for any workplace in Prince Edward Island.  When an employee discloses that they are a victim of family violence, it’s important to believe the employee, take it seriously, and provide information and contacts for resources and trained professionals.

Throughout Family Violence Prevention Week (February 11 to 17), Islanders can follow and share daily images and messages on facebook.com/govpe and twitter.com/InfoPEI. The hashtag is #stopfamilyviolence.

Media contact:

Katie MacDonald
Workforce and Advanced Learning
katiemacdonald@gov.pe.ca