Local company takes extra steps to fight domestic violence

None — For years, Amy Homan McGee was physically abused at her home by her husband.

He also harassed her at her job at Verizon Wireless in Central Pennsylvania. Eventually, he murdered her. He is now serving a life sentence for the crime.

McGee’s story is shared during training for current Verizon employees in Charlotte so they learn the warning signs of domestic violence. Managers said they are trying to create a corporate culture where employees who are victims of domestic violence feel comfortable coming forward.

“We want to do all we can to let our employees know that we understand that this is an issue. We want them to be safe, and there are things we can do to help them,” said human resources director Laurie Severino.

Severino said the company provides on-site security who can escort workers to their cars, and supervisors can change employees' schedules to try to protect them from their abusers.

“We have also gone above and beyond to relocate our employees to other places or jobs across the country when they are planning to flee the state,” she said.

Managers also refer employees to resources off-site like the United Family Services Domestic Violence Shelter.

“We can help with food, water, shelter, safety and the courts can do their part,” said United Family Services residential services director Kelly Coyne. “But we really need employers to step up and provide safety nets for their workers as well.”

The agency is encouraging more companies to adopt domestic violence policies.

“Even if companies are not motivated by the potential to save a life, domestic violence impacts the bottom line -- $5 billion per year,” said Coyne.

According to the Department of Labor, domestic violence costs $5 billion a year in worker absenteeism, increased healthcare costs and possible liability for workplace incidents that end in lawsuits. Much of which experts said can be prevented if companies are proactive.

“Companies need to know there are things they can do and not all of them have to be costly,” said Severino. “And in the end, it is the right thing to do for your employees.”

United Family Services is hosting a domestic violence at the workplace summit to give companies tools to create a domestic violence workplace policy. For more information, click here.

For more information on Amy Homan McGee's story, click here.

WSOC