Press Releases
03/08/2019
Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz Announce Updated Family Violence Policy for State Employees
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz today announced that the administration has updated the state’s policy regarding leave rights available to state employees who are victims of family violence and the procedures relating to such leave. Announced on International Women’s Day, the updated policy is being updated to better ensure that employees who are experiencing family violence receive appropriate support.
“Connecticut has been a leader on issues pertaining to domestic and family violence, and we want to continue these efforts as we better come to understand the complexities involved in these horrific circumstances,” Governor Lamont said. “Workers need to know that the law is on their side and protections are in place that can provide support.”
“According to national studies, one in seven women have been stalked by an intimate partner and believed they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed,” Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. “Stalking and domestic violence is not only a matter of safety for women but also economic security – making it difficult for women to find a job or hold a job. This policy demonstrates this administration’s commitment to providing appropriate supports for victims of domestic violence and stalking.”
Connecticut law includes protections for victims of family violence to ensure that they are able to receive adequate support without being penalized in their place of employment.
The State of Connecticut’s updated policy pertaining to state employees:
- makes clear that stalking and other forms of threatening or coercive behavior can fall under the definition of family violence;
- clarifies agency responsibilities in responding to and assisting employees who are victims of family violence;
- clarifies assistance with work schedules and other working conditions that agencies may make available to victims of family violence;
- mandates that agencies provide victims of family violence additional information about resources available to them; and
- makes available information for agencies and human resources professionals about family violence training resources.
State agencies are partnering with the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and the state’s 18 designated domestic violence organizations to ensure that resources are available to employees.
“We thank Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz for their leadership in establishing workplace policy regarding family violence, developed in partnership with CCADV, in all of Connecticut’s executive branch agencies,” Karen Jarmoc, chief executive officer of CCADV, said. “Knowing that one in four women and one in seven men will face domestic violence in their lifetime, it is critical that we acknowledge its impact on the workplace and ways that we can improve outcomes for survivors. Creating clear guidelines help employers appropriately respond and promote a workplace culture of prevention and support.”
Earlier today, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz chaired the first meeting of the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls, a group created by Governor Lamont to provide a coordinated state response to issues that impact the lives of women, girls, and their families.
**Download: Revised domestic violence leave policy issued to all state agency heads and HR directors
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