Fall 2006-13 – Protocol required to manage domestic violence in the workplace

Number 65
Fall 2006

New Puerto Rico law

Protocol required to manage domestic violence in the workplace

Law No. 217 of September 29, 2006 requires both public and private sector employers to develop and implement a Protocol to manage domestic violence situations in the workplace.

Zero tolerance

The legislation was motivated by the need to promote the public policy of zero tolerance of domestic violence. The implementation of the protocol intends to provide uniformity with respect to measures and procedures to be followed when an employee, male or female, has been a victim of domestic violence.

The law states that taking effective preventive and security measures will enable the adequate handling of cases that may carry over into the workplace.

Minimum requirements

It is the responsibility of each and every employer in Puerto Rico to comply with the requirement of establishing the protocol, which should include the following minimum requirements:

a declaration of public policy,

a legal basis,

personal duties, and

uniform procedures to be followed in the handling of such cases.

Technical counsel

The Office of the Solicitor for Women will offer the technical counsel necessary for the elaboration and implementation of these Protocols; and the Department of Labor and Human Resources will shoulder the responsibility of enforcing them.

© 2006 Goldman Antonetti & Cordóva, LLC