Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition and Providence launch Domestic Violence Toolkit

Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition and Providence are launching a toolkit for businesses and nonprofit organizations designed to combat the rising rates of domestic violence in the Spokane region.     

The Domestic Violence Toolkit is a comprehensive workplace training program designed to help employers and employees recognize and respond to domestic violence.

About the Toolkit

Through this training program, employers can invest in their workforce and connect with local experts to take proactive steps to address this issue, such as implementing a formal policy, training staff, and supporting employees impacted by domestic violence.

The program can be accessed online, in person, or through a combination of both. Go to www.endtheviolencespokane.org and press on Toolkit to access the training portal.

Domestic Violence in Spokane

Spokane County has the highest rate of domestic violence in Washington, according to a 2019 study. Shockingly, one in every three women and one in every 10 men are victims of domestic abuse in the Spokane region, according to the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition.

Sixty five percent of companies do not have a formal workplace domestic violence prevention policy, and only 20 percent offer training on domestic violence, according to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) study. This is concerning given that 21 percent of full-time employed adults reported being victims of domestic violence, with 74 percent of that group stating they have been harassed at work, according to SHRM.

The need for awareness and prevention measures around domestic violence in the workplace cannot be overstated.

“This toolkit has been a significant project for our team for several years,” said Annie Murphey, Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition executive director. “We are proud to share this toolkit with our local business community. Thanks to funding from Providence, we can help support and protect victims of domestic violence locally.”

Support for the Toolkit

The idea for this resource stemmed from the tragic murder of a Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center caregiver. On April 4, 2019, Patty Hernandez, a Providence environmental services employee, was killed by her boyfriend.

This tragedy provoked discussions at Providence about the need to learn how to identify domestic violence and respond to support victims. Through an annual Providence Community Benefit grant program, Providence awarded funding to the Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition (also known as the local chapter of the End the Violence Coalition).

“Providence is proud to fund the Domestic Violence Business Toolkit,” said Susan Stacey, chief executive for Providence Inland Northwest. “We are doing this in Patty’s memory – and for the many people who live with the fear that domestic violence brings. We are confident that this toolkit can create significant change in the Inland Northwest.”

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Highly-trained advocates are available 24/7/365 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, seeking resources or information, or questioning unhealthy aspects of their relationship. Call 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY, or if you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.