Signing Member Requirements

In order to be listed as a Signing Member of this pledge, you must do the following:

Complete the pledge form at safepledge.org

Complete the pledge template for your organization and share it publicly (on your website, via social media, as part of a blog, etc). See here for an example.

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Commit to sharing resources about family violence with your employees upon hiring, and making those resources available to all employees.

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Identify two** representatives from your organization to receive SAFE Pledge Training from SAFE* or a similar organization.

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SAFE Pledge Training is a three-hour online course that will introduce participants to the resources, skills, and other information they’ll need to better understand and support those affected by family violence.



An initial cost of $1000 will cover the two people required for Signing Member status, and additional registrations will be available for $500 per person.

Commit to developing informed policies to support employees who are aware of, experiencing, or trying to leave violent or abusive situations.

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Commit to a supportive partnership with SAFE* to end family violence and abuse.

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*If you are building a relationship with a different organization that works to end family violence, or if you are outside the US, please note that in the ‘Comments’ field.

**Companies with fewer than eight employees only need to identify one SAFE Pledge Representative for training.

Once you’ve completed all of these steps, reply to your welcome email with a link to your published version of the pledge, your logo for website recognition, and the other information requested in the email. If you did not receive a Welcome Email, email info@safepledge.org for instructions. Each year, to continue as a Signing Member, you may be asked for confirmation of these steps.



Take the Pledge

Why Sign?

Why do you have these specific Signing Member Requirements?

Step 2: Complete the pledge template for your organization and share it publicly.

Why? Speaking out publicly about your commitment to ending family violence will encourage others to do it, and it will also let employees know that there are resources and support available if they are needed.



How? This can take the form of a dedicated page on your website, a blog or other social media post, or any other means of sharing your commitment publicly.

Step 3: Commit to sharing resources about family violence with your employees upon hiring, and making those resources available to all employees.

Why? Many people don’t know how to recognize a dangerous or abusive situation, how to approach someone who may be in one, or what help is available, so it’s important to make sure that everyone has access to that information and knows where to find it.



How? This can include optional training, a physical or online resource library, audio or video presentations, or flyers and posters for common areas like break rooms and bathrooms. Be sure to include information about the people in your organization who have completed SAFE Pledge Training and how to contact them.

Step 4: Identify at least two representatives from your organization to receive SAFE Pledge Training from SAFE* or a similar organization, to support the development and implementation of the relevant policies (organizations with fewer than five members may be exempt from this requirement).

Why? Family violence is not a straightforward issue, and some practices or policies that may seem helpful on the surface could create serious problems. A more thorough training program will provide a deeper perspective so that people who need support or resources can get what they need.

  • Identifying the people who have received this training will help other employees know who they can approach with questions or concerns.
  • Having two employees instead of just one means that if someone is reluctant to approach one of the designated people, there is another person they can talk to.
  • Organizations with fewer than five employees may choose to train one person, or opt out of the training requirement.

How?

1. Find a training—The easiest way to meet this requirement is the SAFE Pledge Training. SAFE Pledge Training is a three-hour online course that will introduce participants to the resources, skills, and other information they’ll need to better understand and support those affected by family violence.

  • The initial cost for each Signing Member will be $1000, which will cover the registration of the two people required by the pledge.
  • Additional registrations for the training will be available for $500 per person.
  • Each cohort requires a minimum of 6 people from at least three companies.
  • Each cohort will have a maximum of 30 people.
  • The first training cohort will begin in September 2022 with subsequent cohorts announced on a rolling basis.
  • Learn more about the Safe Pledge Training (LINK).
  • If you’re working with another local or national organization to train people in your organization, please email (email) for more information.

2. Identify people to receive training—Select at least two SAFE Pledge Representatives within your organization.

  • Ideally, choose employees who are not the same gender or gender identity.
  • Avoid choosing two people to whom the same group of employees report; this will make it more likely that an employee will have someone they feel comfortable approaching.
  • This role should be carefully considered, to be sure that the people who fill it can operate with empathy, discretion, and integrity in emotionally complex situations.
  • This training, and working with those who have been affected by family violence, can be emotionally difficult and should be done as an ‘opt-in’ volunteer process. Do not require any employee to participate as a job function.

3. Empower the SAFE Pledge Representatives—Once they have completed the training, empower them to review and recommend policy, and to manage any resources needed to support employees affected by family violence.

Step 5: Commit to developing informed policies to support employees who are aware of, experiencing, or trying to leave violent or abusive situations.

Why? Reviewing and updating company policies to ensure that they provide necessary support to employees (or their family members) will allow you to have policies already in place in case they are needed.



How? Have the SAFE Pledge Representatives, who have received in-depth training on family violence, review your company handbook and other documentation for policies that can be amended or created to make it easier to offer resources, support, or extra flexibility to employees and their families who may be affected by family violence.

  • Include a policy for reporting possibly dangerous or abusive situations.
  • Be sure that you include best practices and requirements for confidentiality.
  • It is important that the people reviewing and developing policies have received additional training regarding family violence, to ensure that the policies are effective and useful.
  • If you’d like more in-depth guidance, SAFE can help with policy review and recommendations. The cost for this review will vary based on the size and complexity of your organization.

Step 6: Commit to a supportive partnership with SAFE to end family violence and abuse.

Why? SAFE has existing networks of support and training, and they work directly with people who are affected by family violence. A supportive partnership with them can amplify your efforts by combining them with others committed to the same goal.



How? There are several different ways you can support SAFE: