Employers Can Play a Key Role in Reducing Intimate Partner Violence in Estonia
The President Kaljulaid Foundation is establishing a Competence Center for the Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence, aimed at empowering employers to help reduce the impact of this violence on Estonian society. For many victims, the workplace may be the only safe environment where they can seek help.
“The President Kaljulaid Foundation is continually seeking innovative ways to contribute to a violence-free society in Estonia. Involving employers in the prevention of intimate partner violence is one such approach, as the workplace often serves as the only refuge for victims,” said Triin Adamson, Project Manager at the President Kaljulaid Foundation.
According to Statistics Estonia, 41% of women and 33% of men have experienced violence in a relationship at least once in their lives. But how exactly are employers connected to violence that typically occurs outside the work environment?
Intimate Partner Violence Affects Both Employees and Organizations
“Approximately 700,000 people are employed in Estonia. Given these statistics, it is inevitable that employers will encounter issues related to intimate partner violence. Every day, victims of domestic violence—whether mental, physical, sexual, or economic—along with their abusers, come to work. Often, these cases go unnoticed, or if they are noticed, there is no intervention,” Adamson explained.
Research indicates that intimate partner violence directly impacts a victim’s ability to work, as well as the dynamics of teams and the overall performance of organizations. “Victims may experience low mood, heightened anxiety, sleep disturbances, exhaustion, withdrawal, and other issues as a result of the violence. This, in turn, leads to reduced motivation, decreased work engagement, lower creativity, and a decline in work quality. Such impacts can quietly erode workplace relationships, team dynamics, customer interactions, and overall organizational outcomes. It is estimated that intimate partner violence costs the Estonian economy 1.1 billion euros annually—equivalent to the budget of the city of Tallinn,” Adamson elaborated.
The Competence Center Will Provide Essential Tools for Employers
A Kantar Emor survey conducted last autumn revealed that 58% of the population considers it important for employers to support victims of intimate partner violence. A recent survey by the Estonian HR Society found that 73% of HR managers share this view. This suggests that employers could play a crucial role in preventing and addressing intimate partner violence, thereby contributing to a healthier and safer society.
“We sense a willingness among Estonian employers to contribute, but there is often a lack of experience and expertise. That is why we are establishing a Competence Center for the Prevention of Intimate Partner Violence, specifically aimed at employers. This center will serve as a resource for those employers who wish to systematically address domestic violence in the workplace. Our goal is to equip employers with the support, knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to tackle this complex issue effectively,” said Adamson. The toolbox being developed for employers will include various educational opportunities, statistics, research, training materials, and other informational resources.
“A key component of the Competence Center is the network of employers we are building, which will enable us to learn from each other and draw inspiration from shared initiatives. We invite all interested employers to subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on our activities,” Adamson urged, adding that the Competence Center is expected to launch its first services in December of this year.
If this topic resonates with you, join the President Kaljulaid Foundation’s newsletter for employers (in Estonian): https://mailchi.mp/kerstikaljulaid/kompetentsikeskuse-uudiskiri