This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, learn how associates are working to keep others safe — on and off the clock.
Earlier this year, an associate at her breaking point took a chance and opened up to her manager. She shared about how her partner was threatening her at home, and that she feared for her life. The manager immediately got on the phone with Josh Rhodes. As an asset protection operations lead, Josh’s role includes safety and security for stores in his area.
“It was a scream and a cry for help,” Josh says. She did not know who, if anyone, would answer her — but someone did. “It ended up being me.”
The facts
Domestic violence affects millions of people each year. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, one in four women and one in seven men will experience violence from their partners in their lifetimes — astounding statistics made more startling by the fact that many domestic violence cases go unreported.
Physical or sexual abuse are what often comes to mind when discussing domestic violence, but mental, emotional and financial abuse are also very damaging, and workplaces can play a much-needed role in helping survivors get out of an abusive relationship.
“If it wasn’t for [my coworkers] and for Walmart, I’d probably be stuck in the same situation. I probably wouldn’t even be here. They helped me a whole lot. I’ve never worked for a company that has truly cared.”
-Associate and survivor
Support for the long haul
Josh connected the associate with a suite of resources and support from Walmart. Because the associate reached out for help and assistance, the Threat Management team was able to not only aid in getting the associate out of the situation, but to also help her in the recovery process.
“It makes me feel safe that I can always call someone, and that person can help me,” she says. “Whether it’s with counseling or trying to keep me safe, whether I’m in the store, at home or walking to my car. There’s always that help there that they can give you. Walmart has a lot of resources.”
Research shows that it can take seven attempts before a survivor successfully leaves an abusive partner, and Chad T. Moore wants associates to know Walmart is there to help no matter how many attempts it takes.
“We will do the things we need to do to protect an associate, but we can only do it if we know something’s going on,” says Chad, senior manager in Threat Management.
“Every case is so different, and everybody’s needs are so different. It’s getting them the resources that they need in the moment, as well as understanding what they need overall.”
Walmart’s Threat Management team can:
- Help with emergency relocation, whether to another store or even another state.
- Serve as a liaison with local law enforcement.
- Organize leave or time off.
- Develop a security plan.
- Connect the associate to confidential, no cost counseling services Walmart makes available to all associates.
- Talk about at-home safety checks — like location settings on mobile devices or trackers on vehicles.
See something, say something
“We know the abuser’s going to show up to work,” explains Nancy Kelley, senior manager, Prevention Strategies. In fact, 74% of employed domestic violence survivors are targeted during work hours and 98% experience harassment from their abusers while at work in the U.S. according to a 2024 report from WorldMetrics.org.
“We know that anything that happens outside can be brought in,” Nancy continues.
One way to help combat domestic violence is knowing what to look for:
- Personality changes, like a loss of confidence or becoming reclusive when one used to be outgoing.
- Constantly checking in with their partner and/or their partner constantly checking in with them.
- Never having money on hand.
- Injuries and excuses for injuries.
“The thing about domestic violence is the survivors mask it, hide it the best they can because of the embarrassment and the guilt,” Nancy says. “If you do see something or hear something, it’s a very delicate conversation that you need to have with that associate.”
And from just one conversation, lives can be changed. Josh has continued to work with and support the associate as she’s navigated her recovery process. She now has her own apartment and is living free from abuse.
“There’s a lot of women going through a lot worse than I did, and I want them to know they don’t have to go through it,” she says. “Walmart has been a big help. I’m very grateful for that. [They] have helped me overcome this experience.”
Associates can learn more about resources on One Walmart, including contacts for Walmart’s Threat Management and Global Security teams.
You can also schedule a presentation from the Prevention Strategies team at your store or club.
If you or someone who know is experiencing domestic violence, here are available national resources:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
- The StrongHearts Native Helpline: 1-844-762–8483 (Available Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm CST)
- The LGBT National Help Center: 1-888-843–4564 (Hours vary. Available by phone or online chat)
