KINGSTON, NY - Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger today announced the adoption of a new Gender-Based Violence and the Workplace Policy to bolster support and protections for County employees who are victims of domestic and gender‑based violence. The County Executive based the personnel policy on a model developed by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, and it was adopted unanimously Tuesday evening by the County Legislature in a resolution sponsored by Legislator Dominick Marino (D-10, Highland/Marlborough).
The new policy establishes clear, survivor‑centered procedures for recognizing and responding to domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, coercive control, and other forms of gender‑based harm. It creates a structured framework to ensure that employees experiencing gender‑based violence can access confidential support, safety planning, and workplace accommodations, and that County departments and supervisors are equipped with the guidance necessary to respond appropriately and consistently.
“Domestic and gender-based violence affects all aspects of people's lives, including in the workplace, and we want to make sure employees have the workplace protections and access to resources they need to be safe and to thrive," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I want to thank Legislator Dominick Marino and the Ulster County Legislature for their support and partnership in adopting this policy and for standing with survivors of gender-based violence.”
“Through both my professional work and my role in government, I’ve stood alongside survivors and seen firsthand the barriers they face when trying to stay safe, maintain employment, and rebuild their lives,” said Legislator Dominick Marino, who sponsored the resolution. “This policy is about more than compliance; it’s about creating a workplace where people feel supported, protected, and empowered to seek help without fear. When we recognize that safety and stability extend into the workplace, we take a meaningful step toward breaking cycles of violence and connecting individuals to the support they deserve.”
Under the policy, Ulster County will:
- Designate Personnel Director Dawn Spader as the Gender-Based Violence Liaison (GBVL);
- Provide employees with confidential support and referrals to services including the NYS Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline, Family of Woodstock, and the Employee Assistance Program;
- Issue the policy to all employees, contractors, volunteers, and interns annually and upon hire;
- Expand employee rights to request reasonable accommodations and to use leave for safety‑related needs;
- Ensure strong non‑retaliation protections for survivors;
- Hold accountable any employees who perpetrate acts of gender‑based violence, including through potential administrative or disciplinary action;
- Increase awareness and training across the workforce regarding gender‑based violence, resources, and survivor rights.
The policy also outlines responsibilities for supervisors, clarifies protections under the New York State Human Rights Law, and provides structured guidance for responding to active Orders of Protection and developing individualized workplace safety plans.
The full policy will be distributed to all County personnel and posted on the County’s intranet and in accessible employee areas throughout all worksites.