FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Monday, December 1, 2025 

Media contact: [email protected]

Dec. 1, 2025 — Today, The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) and Futures Without Violence (FUTURES) released a new report on the experiences of victims and survivors of abuse in the workplace. Employers could play an outsize role in supporting survivors, yet this new report shows most workplaces remain unprepared to respond — lacking clear policies, employee training and resources to support victims of abuse.

Survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking face significant barriers to maintaining employment, but steady work is often essential to their safety and stability. Nearly 40% of people who reached out to The Hotline in 2024 reported experiencing economic and financial abuse, where one intimate partner has control over the other’s access to economic resources and diminishes the victim’s capacity to support themselves. Economic abuse makes it much harder for people experiencing relationship abuse to plan for their safety — regardless of whether or not that includes leaving the relationship.

“What happens outside of work doesn’t stay there.” said Katie Ray-Jones, chief executive officer  at The Hotline, “Domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking exist in every field, company, and workplace. The fact that we now know so many victims are actively in the workforce while experiencing abuse represents a significant opportunity for intervention and support.”

According to the report, 79% of victims indicated that domestic violence made it harder for them to work, however, 53% stated that they did not disclose the domestic violence to their employers due to fear of discrimination, job loss, or workplace retaliation. This fear was not merely theoretical. Many survivors who participated in the survey described negative experiences at their workplaces after disclosing, including harassment and job loss, that was more pronounced among Black and Latina respondents.

“My manager, who knew I was being abused at home and trying to escape, put me on a performance improvement plan instead of trying to help.” one respondent shared.

While many survivors shared negative experiences, others also indicated ways in which their employer was supportive, which helped them plan for their safety and maintain their employment. Additionally, analysis of survey responses indicates that when employers provide training on the impact of abuse in the workplace, employees are more likely to disclose their experiences, making it easier for employers to provide the support necessary for them to be safer.

“This report reveals a painful truth: Not nearly enough of our country’s workplaces – large and small – are supporting employees facing domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking,” said Esta Soler, president of Futures Without Violence. “It should be a call to action for workplace leaders to adopt the supports and policies that will help survivors maintain their employment and protect themselves and their children. When you make your workplaces safer and more supportive, you will strengthen your workforce, improve your productivity, and make your community safer. There’s no time to waste.”

The report, which includes recommendations for advocates, employers, policymakers and other stakeholders to increase economic security for victims and survivors, is available for download here.

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The National Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline) established in 1996, serves those affected by relationship abuse in the U.S. 24/7 with free and confidential live services provided via phone, chat, and text. The Hotline envisions a world where all relationships are positive, healthy, and free from violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing relationship abuse in any form, help is available — text START to 88788, call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or chat online at TheHotline.org. You are not alone.

For more than 35 years, Futures Without Violence has been providing groundbreaking programs, policies and campaigns that empower individuals and organizations working to end violence against women and children around the world. Striving to reach new audiences and transform social norms, FUTURES trains professionals such as doctors, nurses, judges and athletic coaches on improving responses to violence and abuse. FUTURES also works with advocates, policymakers and others to build sustainable community leadership and educate people everywhere about the importance of respect and healthy relationships.