Establishing Policies for Addressing Domestic Violence in the Federal Workforce

This memorandum directs federal agencies to develop policies addressing domestic violence in the federal workforce. It requires OPM to issue government-wide guidance within 240 days, and agencies to create or update their own policies within specific timelines after that guidance is issued.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 24339

Impact dates

Dec 15, 2012
OPM Director issues government-wide guidance
Oct 15, 2012
Agencies issue final policies (180 days after draft submission to OPM)
Aug 16, 2012
Agencies develop or modify agency-specific policies (120 days after OPM guidance issuance)
Jul 17, 2012
Agencies submit existing domestic violence policies to OPM Director

Key directives

OPM Director shall issue government-wide guidance within 240 days
OPM Director shall establish technical assistance process for agencies
OPM Director shall consider and potentially issue guidance on sexual assault and stalking
Each agency shall submit existing policies to OPM within 90 days
Each agency shall develop or modify agency-specific policies within 120 days of OPM guidance issuance
Each agency shall issue final policy within 180 days after draft submission to OPM

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Memorandum takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

Agencies must submit existing domestic violence policies to OPM Director by July 17, 2012

Long term

OPM guidance due by December 15, 2012; agency draft policies due 120 days after guidance; final agency policies due 180 days after draft submission

Risks & tensions

Dependent on appropriations availability per Section 3(b)
No enforceable legal rights created for employees per Section 3(c)
Multi-phase timeline creates implementation risk if guidance is delayed
Vague standard for when disciplinary action 'may be appropriate'