JAMES F. KENNY

School of Criminal Justice & Legal Studies, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey, USA. The purpose of this article is to present a model that discusses how coworkers can safely intervene to support survivors of violence and reduce their risk of further victimization. There are many employees who are traumatized by the devastating physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and quality of life consequences of violent crime victimization, yet remain vulnerable for future attacks.

They may be unwilling to contact criminal justice and corporate officials but may feel more comfortable discussing these matters with friends at work. These coworkers may be more willing to help if they know what they can and should do. The H-E-L-P-A-C-OW-O-R-K-E-R model provides specific suggestions on how to listen, express concern, and connect survivors to caregivers. It proposes ways they can help survivors minimize the risk of repeat victimization by encouraging and assisting them in developing safety plans, contacting security professionals, reducing vulnerabilities, and identifying dangerous warning signs.

INTRODUCTION

There are too many employees who are traumatized by the consequences of violent crime victimizations, yet remain vulnerable for future attacks. The National Crime Victim Surveys (2009) estimate that there were nearly 600,000 nonfatal violent crimes against employees while they were at work, and more than three times that total who experienced violence outside the workplace  – Read more>> Kenny_ReducingHarm