Dear fellow King County employee, 

This month, we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month in King County to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence, signs of abuse, and how we can stop it. 

Shockingly, on average, nearly 24 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States – more than 12 million people each year – according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. This can be our family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues, and even ourselves.

If a person is an abusive relationship, whatever stage, they need to have people they can depend on for support. At King County, we are committed to supporting our colleagues who have experienced domestic violence or who are at risk of experiencing domestic violence and helping them access assistance and resources to stay safe. 

The County’s Domestic Violence in the Workplace policy encourages employees who have experienced domestic violence or those at risk of experiencing domestic violence to talk to their supervisor, a Human Resources representative, or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to get help. As trained and credentialed counselors, the EAP providers know that each domestic violence situation is different and that the individual facts should be considered to best assist an employee. 

In addition, our Leave for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Stalking policy provides leave to employees experiencing domestic violence to address safety concerns, receive legal advice, attend legal proceedings, or receive counseling or other healthcare treatment. It also provides leave for employees to assist family members who are experiencing domestic violence with the same. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your supervisor, a Human Resources representative, or the Employee Assistance Program. You can also find key contacts including services like counseling, crisis lines, and other resources in our Domestic Violence Resource Flyer. 

As a reminder, RCW 42.56.250(1)(i) provides an important protection for King County employees and their dependents who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment. The law exempts public employees from having certain records such as their birthdate, job title, workplace address, work email address, work phone number, and bargaining unit disclosed under the Public Records Act, if they or their dependents are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, or harassment, and they provide certain documentation necessary under Washington State law. Please contact your HR Manager if you have any questions about the Public Records Act exemption or want additional information about qualifying for the exemption. 

Every person deserves to be safe and free of fear, to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity. Thank you for doing your part in bringing awareness to the issue of domestic violence and supporting our colleagues with resources and care.  

Sincerely,

Whitney Abrams (she, her, hers)
Chief People Officer