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Survivor Empowerment Network

Supporting domestic violence survivors at work

Employers have a powerful opportunity to create a place of safety and support for survivors of domestic violence (DV). Join the Survivor Empowerment Network along with other businesses creating workplaces where survivors can thrive.

People collaborating.

One in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence — and nearly all will also endure financial abuse.

Turn purpose into progress

Survivors are our employees, colleagues and customers.

The Allstate Foundation is inviting employers like you to create survivor-supportive programs within your business.

Are you ready to make a difference?
Get access to resources, timely programming and a community of organizations learning how simple changes have a profound impact.

Join us

What is the hidden cost of domestic violence?

Financial abuse is the most prevalent but least recognized form of relationship abuse and the greatest barrier to survivor safety.

Together, we can help survivors reclaim their financial freedom, safety and dignity, while building a future where we can all thrive.

Access to financial resources is the number one barrier to survivor safety.
Survivors report they can access a median amount of $175.50 without partner interference.
Survivors lose a combined total of 8 million paid workdays annually, or 32,000 full-time jobs.

How to build a survivor-supportive workplace

To make an impact, your plan to create a workplace that is supportive of survivors has to fit your business – there's no one-size-fits-all solution. The first step is to review current policies, practices and benefits to identify what can be enhanced to better support survivors and uncover any unintentional barriers preventing them from success at work.

People hugging.

Our partner, FreeFrom, has created an employee resource guide to help employers implement practices to support working survivors, including:

  • Time off for DV-related issues.
  • Workplace accommodations/safety planning (i.e. flexible work schedule, leave of absence, workplace transfer, and parking security).
  • Pay advancement to help survivors with financial support.
  • Paycheck flexibility (depositing and receiving across multiple accounts).
  • Mental health support for employees experiencing relationship abuse.

Download the full list

What other steps can you take to enhance your survivor programs?

  • Offer DV training: Partner with a domestic violence organization to train managers and employees on recognizing abuse, responding with empathy and connecting survivors to resources.
  • Create a dedicated internal champion and resource network: Designate a trained individual or team to serve as a compassionate point of contact for survivors to help them navigate policies and access the right support.
  • Connect with external support organizations: Establish formal partnerships with local or national domestic violence organizations and shelters. They can provide employees access to expert assistance that could involve direct referrals, on-site information sessions, financial or in-kind support.
  • Advocate and lead outside of your company: Become an external supporter for ending relationship abuse by publicly endorsing survivor supportive workplaces, participating in public awareness campaigns and sharing best practices with other companies, including your vendors and suppliers.


More Resources

FreeFrom's Survivors at Work report
Data-backed insights and resources for building survivor-supportive workplaces.

Workplaces Respond's How to Develop a DVSAS Workplace Policy
A guide and checklist to help employers prevent and respond to domestic violence.

FreeFrom's Model Safe Leave policy
Sample language to use for a paid and protected safe leave policy for survivors.

Let's stay in touch

When we ensure that survivors are supported to thrive in the workplace, we create lasting and meaningful pathways for their continued safety.

Be an ongoing part of the solution and receive timely, relevant programming and resources to support you throughout the process. Together, we can make a difference.

Join us

For any questions, please email: SurvivorEmpowermentNetwork@allstate.com

Fostering a culture of change

The Allstate Foundation empowers individuals and communities to reach their fullest potential today, and paves the way for a better tomorrow.

1Freefrom, Support Every Survivor Survey

2Black, M.C., Basile, K.C., Breiding, M.J., Smith, S.G., Walters, M.L., Merrick, M.T., Chen, J. & Stevens, M. (2011). The national intimate partner and sexual violence survey: 2010 summary report.

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