Home violence spills over into the workplace.

The effects of domestic violence are not just limited to the confines of the home--the victim also may take these problems to work, according to Sandra Allen, assistant professor of psychiatry and of human behavior, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. "When an individual has a serious personal problem such as home violence or domestic abuse, it takes energy away from the task of growing into a health, mature well-functioning adult. It has a big effect in every sphere of one's life. . . .

"Victims of home violence usually have higher absenteeism rates since they are spending much of their energy dealing with the problem. It is not unusual for them to be too tired to go to work. There may also be physical evidence. Blackened eyes, bruises, and other telltale signs of physical abuse could be embarrassing of them.

"A variety of psychological and emotional disorders are evident among those who experience home violence/abuse. Depression, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes post-traumatic stress disorder may surface." These often translate into poor work performance.

"Another problem that occurs in the workplace as a result of home violence is distance. Since people in violent situations may try to keep it a secret from co-workers, they create physical and emotional barriers with fellow workers, resulting in estrangement and distance."

Fear is a very real feeling that victims of home violence often experience, Allen explains. "Victims are often afraid that the abusive person will show up at work, stalk them, or make threatening or obscene phone calls.

"Children who are involved in a family in which violence exists, even if [it] is not directed at them, suffer and develop...