Employers: How Can DVSASSH (Workplace Violence) be Prevented?
- Courageous Fire
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 8
What is DVSASSH (Workplace Violence)??
DV = Domestic Violence
SA = Sexual Assault
S = Stalking
SH = Sexual Harassment
These harms often begin outside the workplace—but their impact comes to work through absenteeism, decreased performance, safety concerns, and staff turnover. Sometimes, the workplace is also where the harm happens.
Why Are We Talking About Workplace Violence Prevention?
Two Reasons to Talk About Workplace Violence Prevention:
It's an incredibly prevalent and disruptive force in the workspace
Employers and employees alike need to know how to access support
What The Numbers Show
According to data from Workplacesrespond.org/prevalance, trusted by national leaders like Futures Without Violence:
1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (including stalking and sexual violence) in their lifetime
1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced sexual coercion
1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men have been stalked
1 in 8 workers has lost time at work due to safety concerns
25%–85% of women report experiencing workplace sexual harassment
These experiences affect every racial and ethnic group—but disproportionately impact Black, multiracial, and Indigenous women and men.
The takeaway: Workplace violence doesn’t just happen “out there.” It walks through your doors every day.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
Some leaders may assume this is already covered through mandatory harassment or ethics trainings—and you may very well be compliant.
But here's where compliance doesn't equal preparedness:
Most trainings don’t address off-the-clock violence that impacts employees at work
They rarely offer trauma-informed tools for HR or managers to respond effectively
They often overlook state-specific laws about leave, anti-discrimination, unemployment insurance eligibility, and accommodations
They don't account for equity gaps, especially for marginalized employees
Do You Know:
What your state laws require?
Whether your policies reflect them?
Who to ask if you’re unsure?
Let Us Empower Your Success Today!
Courageous Fire, LLC has a workshop to get you started! All you have to do is decide how you want to start that journey, and in the month of July, we have more than one way for you to do just that:
Final Word
You don’t have to know everything—just be ready to get started. Let’s take that first step together.
Sincerely,
The Courageous Fire, LLC Team
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