International Day for the Prevention of Violence Against Women

Today on International Day for the Prevention of Violence Against Women we recognise the amazingly talented and strong working women of NSW.

But as the day rolls in we are also forced to acknowledge the fact that so many women are suffering at the hands of men.

Whether it be violence at home or discrimination at work. We still have a long way to go to ensure women are free from discrimination, sexism, intimidation and violence.

That’s why we want you to put your name to the We Won’t Wait End Domestic Violence campaign to call on our political leaders to commit to paid domestic violence leave and funding women’s services. 

Paid domestic violence leave is an important universal right all workers should have access to. We know that women have been murdered on the way to or from work because when they try to leave an unsafe home the perpetrator of violence knows where they work.

Women need to know that their workplace has a commitment to supporting them through paid leave to speak out, seek help and take action if they are affected by domestic violence. Economic dependency traps people in violent relationships. This important workplace right will save lives.

The provision of timely, effective and expert non-judgemental support for women experiencing violence can also make all the difference to whether a woman successfully rebuilds her life and achieves safety.

This means quality support from a range of services must be available - in particular specialist women-led women’s services. Recent funding cuts at all levels of government have had a dramatic effect on women-led women’s services.

Support the We Won’t Wait End Domestic Violence campaign by signing and sharing the petition now. 

The sad reality is one in five women in Australia experiences sexual violence, one in four experiences emotional abuse and one in three experiences physical violence.

We need to break this cycle and say no to violence and threats of violence against women whether it be at home or at work.

Over the last few years, unions have negotiated 860 agreements containing paid domestic violence leave with employers - covering almost two million workers - and today the Federal Opposition has recognised the importance of extending this right by pledging to introduce domestic violence leave into the National Employment Standards if elected. 

While steps are being taken, we need to keep the pressure on all political leaders to support a full 10 days paid domestic violence leave and increased funding to women’s-led women’s services. You can join the thousands of voices who have already spoken out by signing the petition here. 

It is critical that people experiencing domestic violence are able to maintain their jobs and financial independence in order to escape unsafe situations.

The current Australian unions claim in the Fair Work Commission is for all workers to receive 10 days paid leave. Paid leave offers support for employees across the range of issues that arise through domestic and family violence - such as urgent medical care, legal appointments or making sure their children are safe and secure while keeping their jobs.

A commitment to paid leave says to workers affected by domestic violence that they are supported and their job is safe.

In unity,

Mark Lennon
Secretary
Unions NSW