Positive Effects of Work
Its more than Just money
Victims often require time off work to recuperate following assaults, this may include physical injuries as well as mental health recovery. However, acknowledgment of other expenses and leave requirements are necessary, which may include time to coordinate legal services, relocating (moving), among other needs. While there is no federal law, Maryland is in a position to pass legislation comparable to other states that better ensure protections. Research suggests, however, that employment has protective factors for victims of stalking, particularly DV stalking.
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But there's no escape from [it], and this is my career and I don't know how to escape this career that I spent my entire adult life building... This beat is a beat that I made.
Posetti & Shabbir (2022)
Employee Policy and Training Recommendations
Creating and Training in Policies & Procedures
Policies around stalking behaviors should include staff, customers/clients, and visitors (DV). The procedures for how to report stalking behaviors, witnessed or experienced should be clearly outlined and articulated. Cyber stalking should be included in all stalking policies, both on and off-site with staff members and company technology/resources. Risks should be made clear to all incoming staff members.
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Research suggests that employees should receive the necessary counseling from such programs. Counseling needs to be available for staff, medical and mental health leave time should also be available for those who request it.
Incentive programs
Incentive programs do not need to be monetary. Publicly acknowledging contributions with accolades or providing additional leave time can serve employees well and improve communication.
Threat assessment Teams
Threat assessment teams should be developed with relevant staff members. This may depend on the size of the company/organization. These may include management and/or security to address safety and security protocols and procedures. These teams should also be properly trained in First Aid and CPR, crisis management, and other emergency response protocols, such as stop-the-bleed courses.
Zero-Tolerance
There are disputes in the literature about "zero-tolerance." For behaviors that are objectively stalking, causing a victim to fear for their safety, this may be applicable. However, earlier warning signs may be more difficult for victim(s), supervisors, and bystanders to discern and terminate. Having clear policies in place regarding disciplinary actions may be more advisable, depending on the circumstances. If employees, clients, or visitors become threatening, that should not be tolerated.
Being stalked shrinks your life, and shrinks you. I have l hidden away, scared to leave my home, then scared to leave my office. Even now, I dart mouse-like into the Underground station. I have lost my stake in public space. A state of hypervigilance drains you emotionally. My work has suffered.
Posetti & Shabbir, 2022, n.p.
Six Positive Effects of Work
Improvement in Finances and Independence
Improvement in Finances and Independence
Improvement in Finances and Independence
Rothman, et al. (2007) found that participants were able to support themselves and their children from their own income. They reported an ability, therefore, to better control their own lives with their income. This gave them psychological reassurance.
Physical safety
Improvement in Finances and Independence
Improvement in Finances and Independence
When workplace policies and procedures afforded participants with security, they felt protected. These policies enabled them to park in the garage, have their calls screened, and have guards monitor doors (Rothman, et al., 2007).
Self-esteem
Improvement in Finances and Independence
Social connectedness
Participants reported that accomplishments at work counteracted or overshadowed negative comments from their stalker. This improved their mental health (Rothman, et al., 2007).
Social connectedness
Social connectedness
Social connectedness
This served victims in three ways: (1) they were provided with friends and emotional support at work, reducing feelings of isolation; (2) they were provided with referrals and community resources for emergencies; and (3) having these networks allowed them to gain perspective on their abuse found (Rothman, et al., 2007).
Mental respite
Social connectedness
"Purpose in life"
Victims described their work environments as a space away from emotional abuse, to focus on themselves. Rothman, et al. (2007) found victims used this time to gain clarity on their situation and create action plans related to leaving.
"Purpose in life"
Social connectedness
"Purpose in life"
Work provided victims with motivation, a "reason to get out of the house" (Rothman, et al., 2007 p. 140).
More Resources
Link: Project whenLink: Right to be: Bystander intervention in the workplaceGlaser (2022) TIPS FOR NEWSROOMS TO SUPPORT JOURNALISTS TARGETED BY ONLINE HARASSMENTLink: EEO & You: Your Rights, Responsibilities, & ResourcesLink: EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & WORKPLACE HARASSMENTLink: WHAT IS A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT?
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Just Stalking: Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 93-4264447).
Disclaimer: We are NOT a legal, mental health, medical, victims' advocate provider(s). We are NOT certified educators, financial experts, security specialists, or self-defense experts. While some of our staff may have training, background, or experience in legal, mental health, medical, victims' advocacy, education, financial, security, or self-defense fields pertaining to Maryland, none of our staff is currently, licensed, or certified specialists in the aforementioned fields. WE ARE NOT PROVIDING ADVICE, IN SUCH FIELDS. OUR GOAL IS TO DIRECT VICTIMS TO APPLICABLE PROVIDERS, PROVIDE FEEDBACK BASED ON PERSONAL EXPERIENCES, USING RELEVANT EVIDENCE-BASED RESEARCH & PRACTICES. WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR ALL AFOREMENTIONED TIPS. IF YOU ARE IN DISTRESS PLEASE CALL 911.
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