Verizon Wireless Donates $36,000 to HAVEN in Michigan for New Domestic Violence in the Workplace Training Program

SOUTHFIELD, MI — Verizon Wireless has donated $36,000 to HAVEN, the Oakland County-based domestic violence organization, to underwrite a new specialized "Domestic Violence in the Workplace" training program for business managers and employees. The program teaches companies that legal liability and loss in production from workplace related domestic violence — two important business implications — directly impact corporate success.

Domestic violence is not often considered a business issue — but it is. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, partners and boyfriends commit 13,000 acts of violence against women in the workplace each year. Additionally, the Bureau of National Affairs estimates that domestic violence costs corporate America $3 billion — $5 billion annually. According to Hedy Nuriel, president/CEO of HAVEN, more women die in the workplace as a result of domestic violence than any other reason.

"The cost to businesses is great, not just in productivity but in human lives as well," said Nuriel. "Verizon Wireless has given us the opportunity to teach businesses in the community about the dangers of domestic violence at work. We hope that many area companies will take advantage of this opportunity to learn how they can protect their most valuable resources — the people who work for them."

Designed to educate companies about domestic violence, HAVEN's training program also identifies and uses community resources, illustrates how companies can become part of the solution and informs employees about a company's liability. There is no cost to businesses to complete this program. Donations to continue the program after this year are welcome.

"Domestic violence often spills into the workplace and it is important for businesses to be aware of this silent epidemic," said Greg Haller, president of Verizon Wireless' Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region. "Many victims may experience stalking, coercion and threats, emotional abuse and physical abuse while at work. This ultimately leads to a loss in productivity due to extreme stress and even increased absenteeism because of injuries."

HAVEN has four locations throughout Oakland County, including one each in Southfield and Farmington and two in Pontiac. For more information on HAVEN's "Domestic Violence in the Workplace" program, or to schedule a free consultation for your business, call 248-334-1284, ext. 365.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless voice and data network and 33.3 million customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.  

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