Workplace harm, power, and the law

Domestic violence often shows up at work long before a survivor speaks up. When employees are trained to check in with colleagues safely and respectfully, workplaces become safer and more supportive.

Talking about intimate partner violence at work isn’t invasive — it’s necessary. When employers normalize discussion the way the Bell Let’s Talk campaign did for mental health, employees are far more likely to disclose.

Many workplace violence policies only copy statutory text, without addressing stigma, trust, or trauma. A strong domestic violence policy makes employees feel safe to come forward — not afraid to. Here’s how to write one that works.

Many employers assume responding to employee domestic violence is an HR issue—but most programs fail when HR operates alone. Building a cross-functional IPV response team ensures policies are actionable, coordinated, and safe. Here’s how to form one.

Two new BC Human Rights Tribunal decisions highlight costly risks for employers mishandling disability and mental health-related workplace issues. While the facts vary, both cases reinforce the need for a clear, consistent, and documented accommodation process — particularly when medical information is incomplete or evolving. For CFOs and CHROs focused on cost control, risk mitigation, and retention, these rulings offer timely insight and practical direction.

On December 9, I’ll be presenting a webinar with the Learning Network, Knowledge Hub, and Respect at Work on how trauma- and violence-informed (TVI) approaches can transform workplace responses to intimate partner violence. This is a topic deeply personal to me, and I’ll also be sharing daily LinkedIn videos for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence with practical tips for employers and HR professionals.

A recent Federal Court case, Qi v Canada (AG), 2025 FC 1783, highlights how even small procedural missteps in a workplace investigation can invalidate the outcome. Here’s what HR and employers need to know.

Ontario’s new 211 support line for men who cause harm is a promising early intervention. But for real progress, we must include survivors in design, embed accountability, and move prevention further upstream—with education that redefines what healthy relationships look like.

Many employers assume domestic violence doesn’t touch their workplace — but the truth is, one in ten employees are affected right now. Here’s why leaders must stop looking away and start addressing intimate partner violence as a workplace issue.

Persons Day is often celebrated as a milestone for women’s rights — but not all women were recognized as “persons” in 1929. This reflection explores how to honour the women who were left behind and celebrate the day with honesty, empathy, and inclusion.