Domestic Violence…at Work.
17 March 2015
Read by 2447 persons
Domestic violence is a sadly widespread phenomenon, and victims suffer its consequences in the workplace. A unique study in Canada was recently conducted on this subject by the labor movement and the Faculty of Education at Western University.
No less than one-third of the approximately 8,429 employees surveyed across the country reported having experienced domestic violence. Worse yet, more than half of the respondents said they continued to experience this violence outside the home, even in their workplace. How? "It can be through incessant calls, threatening text messages. Sometimes, there are even cases of a spouse physically showing up at the workplace to commit acts of violence," explains Vicky Smallman, national director of women's affairs and human rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Other figures are also surprising. For example, 40% of employees stated that domestic violence prevented them from going to work, and 10% actually lost their jobs due to absenteeism, lack of concentration, etc. "Let's not forget that this study was conducted among unionized employees: imagine the results among less-protected workers!" reminds Ms. Smallman.
Changing the law?
The organization is actively working with the government to implement measures to counter this problem. "In Ontario, following the death of a nurse killed by her spouse at her workplace, the government implemented legislation requiring employers to ensure the safety of their employees," highlights Vicky Smallman. For her, this type of initiative, still very marginal, should serve as inspiration. She suggests, for example, paid days off so that victims can go to court, rest, or see professionals without fear of being fired.
The problem is that only a minority dare speak to their employer. This is normal: you don't want to mix personal and professional life. However, this is a taboo that must be overcome when it's literally a matter of life or death. "We should support these women, not punish them. By increasing awareness of this issue in the workplace, taboos should decrease..." concludes the national director of women's affairs at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Takwa Souissi.
Workopolis.com
Published February 6, 2015.
Posted online March 17, 2015.
No less than one-third of the approximately 8,429 employees surveyed across the country reported having experienced domestic violence. Worse yet, more than half of the respondents said they continued to experience this violence outside the home, even in their workplace. How? "It can be through incessant calls, threatening text messages. Sometimes, there are even cases of a spouse physically showing up at the workplace to commit acts of violence," explains Vicky Smallman, national director of women's affairs and human rights at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Other figures are also surprising. For example, 40% of employees stated that domestic violence prevented them from going to work, and 10% actually lost their jobs due to absenteeism, lack of concentration, etc. "Let's not forget that this study was conducted among unionized employees: imagine the results among less-protected workers!" reminds Ms. Smallman.
Changing the law?
The organization is actively working with the government to implement measures to counter this problem. "In Ontario, following the death of a nurse killed by her spouse at her workplace, the government implemented legislation requiring employers to ensure the safety of their employees," highlights Vicky Smallman. For her, this type of initiative, still very marginal, should serve as inspiration. She suggests, for example, paid days off so that victims can go to court, rest, or see professionals without fear of being fired.
The problem is that only a minority dare speak to their employer. This is normal: you don't want to mix personal and professional life. However, this is a taboo that must be overcome when it's literally a matter of life or death. "We should support these women, not punish them. By increasing awareness of this issue in the workplace, taboos should decrease..." concludes the national director of women's affairs at the Canadian Labour Congress.
Takwa Souissi.
Workopolis.com
Published February 6, 2015.
Posted online March 17, 2015.
