ValueOptions Launches Domestic Violence Prevention Initiative; Comprehensive Resource Guides Employers in Constructing a Domestic Violence Program for the Workplace.

NORFOLK, Va. -- ValueOptions announced today the launch of a comprehensive domestic violence prevention initiative for corporate customers. Aimed at guiding employers through the construction and development of a domestic violence prevention and response program, the project provides the tools and resources employers need to set up a domestic violence program of their own.

With 700,000 reported cases of domestic violence reported each year, domestic violence continues to be the leading cause of injury to women in the United States. ValueOptions developed this initiative in response to the often-overlooked impact that domestic violence has on the workplace. Consider the following:

--94% of corporate security directors rank domestic violence as a high security problem at their companies

--It is estimated that domestic violence costs employers $3-5 billion annually in the form of increased health care costs, absenteeism, reduced productivity, and related security costs

--A survey found that 56% of employees in domestic violence situations were late for work at least five times per month, 28% had to leave work early at least five times per month, and 54% missed at least three full days of work per month

"Domestic violence has a profound effect on the lives of millions of its victims," said Chris Cavazos, president of ValueOptions' Employer Solutions Division. "Realizing that these effects spill over into the workplace, we saw a tremendous need for guidance and expertise in this area."

The initiative provides material and consultation to ValueOptions' Employee Assistance Program (EAP) clients to help develop a strong outreach initiative in the workplace community that will ultimately help victims take steps to ensure their safety and recover from their emotional wounds. Specifically, guidance is offered to companies in the areas of work culture and environment, education, available community resources and policy and procedure guidelines.

"ValueOptions and Verizon have worked closely together resulting in the development of targeted programs to raise awareness about domestic violence throughout the organization," says Charlie Bowman, manager of Verizon's VZ-LIFE program. "We are pleased to be a part of ValueOptions' effort to reach out to other employers and share strategies, tools and resources on this important issue. Every employer needs such a program to safeguard the health and safety of their employees."

The program also includes special training for EAP staff and affiliates to heighten their sensitivity to this issue when they conduct detailed assessments, facilitate linkages with available resources, and provide counseling and support.

"Domestic Violence: Prevention at Work" is available on ValueOptions' corporate Website at http://www.valueoptions.com/clients/prevention.htm. A client summit will be hosted by ValueOptions on the topic in February, 2005 and will feature guest speakers who are industry experts from the field as well as participants from some of the country's most admired companies.

About ValueOptions

One of the nation's premier behavioral health care management organizations, ValueOptions serves nearly 23 million people across the country through publicly funded and commercial contracts with employee assistance, mental health and substance abuse, behavioral disability management and integrated programs. The company's headquarters are in Norfolk, Virginia. For more information, please visit www.valueoptions.com.