YWCA Spokane was proud to partner with Mike Kelsey, VP of Alliant, to host Empowered to Respond: Domestic Violence 101 for HR Professionals. This event brought together professionals in human resources who were eager to learn how to better support employees who may be experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

The goal of the event was clear: to equip HR professionals and community members with tools to recognize, respond, and refer when IPV shows up in the workplace. Survivors often spend a significant portion of their time at work, and HR professionals can play a key role in ensuring workplaces are safe, supportive, and informed. 

Recognizing the Power of Response

Even before the event began, conversations sparked across the room. Fifty participants joined us, from HR leaders, interns exploring the field, and community members, each bringing curiosity and shared commitment to learning. The energy made clear that supporting survivors isn’t just a legal responsibility, but a community responsibility. 

Our keynote speaker, Jemma Riedel-Johnson, Engagement Lead at YWCA Spokane, delivered a powerful message about the importance of Recognize, Respond, and Refer. Her words emphasized how shifts in awareness can have a big impact in a workplace. Participants were eager to consider how they might apply this learning within their own organizations.

A panel discussion further deepened the conversation, offering both practical and reflective perspectives. Panelists Juanita Roesler, SHRM-CP, PHR (Director of Human Resources, Pitney Bowes) and Dr. Rebecca Bull Schaefer, PHD, SHRM-SCP (Professor of Management, Gonzaga University) spoke candidly about the realities of IPV in the workplace. Dr. Schaefer shared how HR has a legal responsibility to support survivors, but that the work shouldn't end there. She underscored the difference between what HR may be required to do and what they should do to fully support employees.

The Importance of this Training was Clear

"It was clear how important this training was, " stated Jemma Riedel-Johnson. "When the floor opened for attendees to ask questions, hands shot into the air primed with questions waiting to be answered." To help ease the anxiousness felt by many attendees about how to approach these difficult situations, panelist Juanita offered this reminder, “I’m not here to solve it, I’m here to be a resource.”

Her words speak to a broader truth: each survivor is the expert on their own experience. This resonates beyond the role of HR. Whether you are a co-worker, community member, or family, we can all strive to be safe, resourceful people who survivors can trust and lean on when needed. It is not our job to solve a survivor's situation for them. But we can ensure they have access to safety, resources, and support. 

Gratitude for Shared Knowledge

After the event, many participants expressed gratitude for what they had learned and the new ideas sparked for supporting survivors. Participants not only asked thoughtful questions, but stayed after to continue the conversation, exchange insights, and share personal reflections. 

One participant, Michael J. Blythe, MBA, GPHR, SHRM-SCP, shared this note with Jemma after the event:

“Kudos on presenting the DV 101 for HR professionals today. I found it very helpful and informative and will be integrating what I learned into my work in HR. ” 

Why This Conversation Matters For Everyone

Equipping HR professionals with the knowledge and resources to respond to IPV strengthens our Spokane community as a whole. Survivors are often isolated by their abuser, and the workplace may be one of the few spaces where they can exercise independence and safely reach out for help. A thoughtful and informed HR response can make a life-changing difference.

While this training was focused on HR professionals, the message applies to all of us. You don't have to be an HR professional to recognize warning signs, offer compassion, or connect someone to resources. Each of us has a role to play in ending domestic violence and creating a safer, more supportive community.

Free Domestic Violence Training by YWCA Spokane

In addition to offering customizable in-person training to key groups looking to better understand how to respond to intimate partner violence, we also offer free online training on a regular basis. Consider signing up today for our DV 101 and DV 201 free educational offerings.

Free Training