For domestic violence victims, work may feel like a safe haven. But an abusive partner can still sabotage your career and your financial independence, as a means of control. Their tactics may affect your job performance and your mental health. For example, they might:
Frequently visit your workplace
Your partner may show up uninvited, disrupting your day. This is a common way abusive partners assert their control and keep an eye on you.
Call or text often
Calling or texting you frequently during work hours will throw you off your game – and you may feel compelled to answer for fear of your partner’s reaction if you don’t.
Make you late to work
An abusive partner might disrupt your morning routine by hiding your keys or starting an argument before you leave the house.
Try to keep you home
They may even demand that you leave work early or stay home altogether.
Create drama right before an important work event
Pay attention to timing: Does your partner tend to upset you shortly before an important meeting or presentation at work?
Monitor your connections
Your partner may forbid you to make friends with your coworkers, or even to attend team-building events. This keeps you isolated and makes it harder for you to reach out for support.
Make working at home a nightmare
Working at home gives you less space from your partner, which increases the possibility of violence. An abusive partner may try to limit access to your home computer so you can’t communicate with work. They may also demand that you take on additional childcare or housekeeping activities at home.
If any of these behaviors ring true for you, help is available. JBWS provides safety, support and solutions to people impacted by domestic violence at home or in the workplace.