You are a young, aspiring and sincere employee in a Government office working as an assistant to the director of your department. Since you have joined recently, you need to learn and progress. Luckily your superior is very kind and ready to train you for your job. He is a very intelligent and well- informed person having knowledge of various departments. In short, you respect your boss and are looking forward to learn a lot from him. Since you have a good tuning with the boss, he started depending on you. One day due to ill health he invited you at his place for finishing some urgent work. You reached his house and before you could ring the bell you heard shouting noises. You waited for a while. After entering the house the boss greeted you and explained the work. But you were constantly disturbed by the crying of a woman. At last, you inquired with the boss but his answer did not satisfy you. Next day, you were compelled to inquire further in the office and found out that his behaviour is very bad at home with his wife. He also beats up his wife. His wife is not well educated and is a simple woman in comparison to her husband. You see that though your boss is a nice person in the office, he is engaged in domestic violence at home. In such a situation, you are left with the following options. Analyse each option with its consequences.

a. Just ignore thinking about it because it is their personal matter.

b. Report the case to the appropriate authority.

c. Your own innovative approach towards the situation.(250 words) [UPSC 2016]

Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Briefly introduce the scenario, highlighting the conflict between professional respect and personal ethics.
• State the importance of addressing domestic violence, emphasizing its implications for workplace safety and moral responsibility.

2. Stakeholders

• Identify key stakeholders:
  • The employee (you)
  • The boss
  • The boss’s wife
  • The workplace environment
• Mention the significance of each stakeholder’s well-being.

3. Option Analysis

• Analyze each option with its potential consequences.

(a) Ignore the Situation

• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros: None; may seem less confrontational.
  • Cons:
    • Allows ongoing abuse to continue, harming the boss’s wife (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2020).
    • Neglects ethical responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals.
    • May create a toxic work environment if the boss’s behavior affects professional interactions.
• Conclusion: Ignoring the issue is ethically and morally unacceptable.

(b) Report to Authorities

• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros:
    • Demonstrates commitment to a safe workplace (National Domestic Violence Hotline, 2021).
    • Can initiate an investigation and provide support for the wife.
  • Cons:
    • Strains relationship with the boss; can create workplace tension.
    • Legal and confidentiality concerns, especially if the wife is not ready to act.
• Conclusion: Reporting is a courageous but potentially challenging option.

(c) Innovative Approach

• Pros and Cons:
  • Pros:
    • Initiating a private conversation can express concern without confrontation.
    • Suggesting counseling or support resources can be helpful (World Health Organization, 2019).
  • Cons:
    • Requires careful handling to avoid escalation and ensure safety.
    • Risk of the boss reacting defensively.
• Conclusion: This option balances compassion with practicality, allowing for a humane intervention.

4. Conclusion

• Emphasize the need for prioritizing the safety and well-being of the boss’s wife.
• Highlight the importance of seeking professional guidance and understanding the legal and ethical implications of the chosen course of action.
• Reiterate that addressing domestic violence requires sensitivity and commitment to moral principles.