A Computer-based Training Intervention for Work Supervisors to Respond to Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

ObjectivesIntimate partner violence (IPV), commonly known as domestic violence is a problem throughout the world. An estimated 36% to 75% of employed abused woman are monitored, harassed and physically assaulted by their partners or ex-partners while trying to get to work and while at work. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of interactive training to increase knowledge, change perceptions and develop an intention to address domestic violence that spills over into the workplace.MethodsCommunity-based participatory research approaches were employed to develop and evaluate an interactive computer-based training (CBT) intervention, aimed to teach supervisors how to create supportive and safe workplaces for victims of IPV.ResultsThe CBT intervention was administered to 53 supervisors. All participants reacted positively to the training, and there was a significant improvement in knowledge between pre- and post-training test performance (72% versus 96% correct), effect size (d) = 3.56. Feedback from focus groups was more productive than written feedback solicited from the same participants at the end of the training.ConclusionEffective training on the impacts of IPV can improve knowledge, achieving a large effect size, and produce changes in perspective about domestic violence and motivation to address domestic violence in the workplace, based on questionnaire responses.

Workplace interventions for intimate partner violence: A systematic review

“…Table 1 summarizes the six included articles. The sample size of each study ranges from 53 to 941 individuals (Glass, Bloom, Perrin, & Anger, 2010;Glass et al, 2016). The studies were published from 2001 to 2016.…”

Dimensions of Support Among Abused Women in the Workplace

“…In addition, with their employee's permission, supervisors may effectively coordinate their support efforts with community agencies such as domestic violence police units or IPV service provider agencies to increase levels of matched support. The findings from this study are currently being used in an intervention program to educate managers who supervise abused women about the effects of IPV on employee's ability to work and to increase their recognition and intervention skills toward identifying specific support actions battered women may want (Glass et al 2010). The training emphasizes the importance of matching the support to individual women's needs and wants, the relational aspects of support, and strategies for providing that support that include accessing available community resources.…”

Addressing Younger Workers’ Needs: The Promoting U through Safety and Health (PUSH) Trial Outcomes

“…PUSH combines content from the Youth@Work: Talking Safety curriculum and two evidence-based adolescent health promotion curricula [ 23 , 24 ]. Content was modified and formatted for a computer-based instruction platform that has been effective in delivering occupational content for diverse worker groups [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. The goal of the current study was to evaluate PUSH training feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy in a randomized, controlled trial among younger workers.…”