Workplace-based training program helps employees understand abuse.

2004 JUN 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Outcomes of Harman International's innovative domestic violence prevention project are increased awareness of domestic violence and willingness to help victims, and improved understanding of what constitutes abuse and knowledge about how to help victims.

The findings were released in early May 2004 by the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF). Developed and implemented by Harman International and the FVPF from 2001 to 2003, the project included a new company policy regarding abuse; training on domestic violence and the new company policy; distribution of information, safety cards, and posters; opportunities for employee volunteerism to support local domestic violence programs; referral sources and more. Experts say it is the most comprehensive workplace domestic violence prevention project ever devised.

"This evaluation is tremendously encouraging, because it demonstrates conclusively that workplace-based prevention programs can transform attitudes about domestic violence and influence behaviors," said FVPF President Esta Soler. "Harman International is a true pioneer in domestic violence prevention. Because of Harman's commitment to help end abuse, employers around the U.S. now have a roadmap for how to conduct effective prevention programs."

"We have shown that workplace training on domestic violence can be enormously effective," Harman International Executive Chairman Sidney Harman said. "It benefits victims of abuse, it benefits communities, and it benefits the companies that sponsor the training. Harman International is proud to have developed this prevention project. We will work with the Family Violence Prevention Fund to share lessons learned with other employers who are interested in helping to prevent and stop abuse."

According to the evaluation, conducted by Beverly Younger Urban, PhD, LCSW:

*After the domestic violence training, 91% of employees said they were now more likely to know where to refer someone who is abused for help, 89% said ...