Why Employers Need Abuse Awareness

A national survey by the Corporate Alliance to End Partner Violence found that 64% of victims and survivors said relationship abuse affected their ability to work, costing U.S. companies more than $8.3 billion each year. That single data point reveals just how deeply domestic and relationship abuse intersects with the workplace. Workplace productivity is directly impacted. Employers have both a practical and moral imperative to understand this issue because employees are more likely to seek help at work and a supportive workplace improves retention.

Children who experience or witness abuse often struggle with attendance, behavior, and academic performance. Those challenges don’t stay confined to the home or the classroom they ripple outward into communities, workplaces, and long‑term societal outcomes. Because of this, organizations play a crucial role in raising awareness. 

Elder abuse is a critical public health issue. Survivors report higher rates of depression and are three times more likely to die prematurely. Elders often withdraw from social interactions, and many blame themselves, which results in shame and silence and magnifies these effects. They also have higher rates of hospitalization and institutionalization, at an estimated annual cost to our nation’s healthcare system of $5.3 billion. 

Large‑scale demonstrations and protests have occurred in many U.S. cities due to perceptions of police misconduct and excessive force. Organizations operating in these communities must understand the dynamics to maintain safety, communication, and trust with employees and clients, including those living with disabilities.

Foster Friend Foundation provides communications support, consulting, and abuse‑awareness training that strengthens organizations and caregivers including foster families in their efforts to support survivors. We equip staff, teams, and communities with the tools and knowledge they need to “Be a Friend” by recognizing the signs of abuse and helping prevent harm.