I Would Do It Again

I am a Manager at a company. For the last few months a woman that works for me has been coming to work with bruises on her arms, the odd black eye, and a fat lip sometimes. She would always have a story about running into a door, falling off her bicycle, or being attacked by a dog and she would apologize for being clumsy or being too friendly to dogs. I just felt something was off. I decided to take this to human resources. Turns out her boyfriend is abusing her. She broke down in the middle of the office in tears. Luckily the women in the office rallied around her. A few older women in the office came up to me and told me that I should have minded my business. A few younger women said this has happened to them in the past. I didn't realize how widespread the problem is. Apparently a lot of people in the office already knew what was happening months ago but chose to stay silent. You know what I would have done it again a hundred times because this is wrong and people shouldn't stay silent about this type of behavior.

10 Comments

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Lovely L.

May 19, 2017 at 12:22pm

Some day she may thank you. Good job.

20 9Rating: +11

Anonymous

May 19, 2017 at 2:25pm

Good job! I can't believe so many others knew and didn't say anything. A lot of companies provide short term counseling as part of their extended health benefits. At least you stepped up to help her. Hopefully she gets the help she needs. You are a good guy.

only idiots

May 19, 2017 at 2:56pm

would downvote this.

19 9Rating: +10

free resources - domestic violence in the workplace

May 19, 2017 at 3:27pm

Coworkers, managers, and employers can do a lot to help people who are dealing with domestic violence. I'm so glad you offered your help. There are great free resources available at worksafebc.com/domesticviolence

You absolutely did the right thing

May 19, 2017 at 6:45pm

I wonder what would possess those other women to think it's ok to stay silent. It's absolutely everybody's responsibility to do everything in their power to remove a victim of abuse from an abusive environment.

15 9Rating: +6

Right

May 19, 2017 at 6:51pm

U did what should have been done long ago. Those sad sack women who said mind your own biz are 100% PATHETIC.

Good Job OP! Bravo! :)

May 20, 2017 at 9:27pm

Important message for all of humanity, especially all men: """Do Unto Others As Thou Want Done Unto You""": simple truth. all men must abide by this simple rule or they will face the consequences of their own malice and violent behaviour in painful fates beyond expression: lessons in love must be learned or repeat experiences are in order :) ... this is a kind, necessary, and critically important message from A Messenger of God to all of humanity -- God does exist; whomever tests the limits of ego and inhumane behaviour, God cannot save, sadly so ... it is up to each and every man to be kind and compassionate and loving to everyone, otherwise terrible fates unbeknownst to them will befall them; God can only protect ones who do the best to intend well and good for others, although God loves all of Creation Unconditionally :) Sending Loving Kindness and Peace for all of humankind :)

12 9Rating: +3

Anonymous

May 21, 2017 at 5:26pm

Years ago at a job I used to have, my manager came to work with a black eye covered up with heavy makeup. It only happened once. She didn't offer any explanation and I didn't say anything because I didn't know how. I still don't know how, or if she even needed help... although not offering any explanation for the black eye suggests that it wasn't some innocent accident.

7 10Rating: -3

Thank you...

May 23, 2017 at 1:54am

As a woman who just ended an abusive relationship I just wanted to reach out and thank you for doing this

11 9Rating: +2

Good on you!

May 23, 2017 at 7:41am

It's worse and prob against the law not to say anything and to ignore it. People in abusive situations are often held hostage by their abusers and sometimes one life line makes all the difference. You may have saved this woman's life. This goes for men that are abused, too. Let's not forget them, they're often more shamed to speak up than anyone.

9 9Rating: 0

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