Technical Assistance for Federal Agencies in Developing Frameworks to Promote Safe and Inclusive Workplaces
A key element of a safer and more inclusive workplace is a comprehensive and trauma-informed prevention and response program to better support colleagues who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking – no matter where incidents may occur.
Safe and inclusive workplaces are a priority of the whole-of-government approach to cultivate diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) across all aspects of federal employment, as required by President Biden’s Executive Order 14035, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce (Executive Order).
The Government-wide Strategic Plan to Advance Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce (Strategic Plan), the Executive Order’s roadmap, requires all federal agencies to develop an agency-specific DEIA plan by March 23, 2022.
With respect to enhancing supports for federal employees who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, the Strategic Plan requires that all agency-specific strategic plans incorporate and anticipate:
- Comprehensive reviews and updates of agency policies and processes for… supporting federal employees who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- These reviews may include research reports, focus groups, and scenario-based exercises to so that responsible offices provide consistent guidance to supervisors and offer support for federal employees.
- Key partners may include offices of security, human resources, EEO offices, legal counsel, anti-harassment coordinators, and workplace safety organizations.
- 120 days after submission of the Agency DEIA Strategic Plans, where necessary, agencies will update their policies, climate surveys, trainings, systems of investigation and accountability, and support services. These updates will include a renewed effort to center and communicate the leadership commitment and agency vision for promoting a respectful, inclusive, and safe workplace.
- Agencies will take steps to update and provide relevant educational resources to supervisors, bystanders, and federal employees, and make resources readily available through multiple channels such as hotlines, onsite staff, and employee assistance services.
- Agency heads will promote employee assistance programs, work-life programs, and available on-site mental health experts and/or referral services.
- In an effort to encourage and reduce the stigma of reporting, investigators will be trained to communicate with employees in a trauma-informed manner.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023
Toolkit for Federal Agencies
This toolkit includes resources to enhance your agency’s capacity to better serve survivors and prevent and respond to domestic violence impacting federal workers and workplaces:
- A factsheet on domestic violence for federal workers and workplaces;
- Suggested social media posts accompanied by an editable PowerPoint template to
help craft posts; and - Links to resources, tips, model policies and trainings, and videos
Resources
Stalking Resources
- Webinar Slide Deck
- Fact Sheet: Stalking & the Workplace
- Federal Supervisors Supporting Survivors of Stalking
- ABCs of Checking-In: When you Suspect a Coworker is Experiencing Violence
Policy Development
- OPM Guidance for Agency-Specific Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Stalking Policies
- Model Federal Workplace Policy on Domestic Violence, Sexual Violence, and Stalking (DVSAS)
Training Development
- Model Federal Training: Preventing & Responding to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking (DVSAS)
- Video: Supervisors Can Make A Difference
Tipsheets
- Federal Supervisors Supporting Survivors of Domestic Violence
- Starting the Conversation
- Six Supportive Ways to Address Trauma that Shows up at Work
- Confidentiality is Critical
- Annual Review Checklist
- Safe for the Holidays: Tips to Support Survivors of Domestic & Sexual Violence during the Holiday Season