Domestic and sexual violence and abuse are serious crimes and cannot be tolerated in any society. It is the job of trade unions to fight for social justice in all dimensions. That includes speaking up for the victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. It also includes seeking to change attitudes in society for the good. We have moved from the days when no one wanted to intervene in a domestic situation. It is time to act to change attitudes to make sure that women, men and children are not subject to violence in their home or anywhere else.
For trade unions domestic and sexual violence and abuse is also a workplace issue. In today’s world, unlike past generations, the victims, as well as the perpetrators of domestic and sexual violence and abuse are likely to be at work. For the victims the workplace must be a place of safety, a place for help and support. Trade unions must be in the forefront playing a key role in ensuring safety is provided. As for the perpetrators, they must come to realise that trade unions despise such actions and that we will continue to work with organisations like Women’s Aid, Nexus, Men’s Advisory Project, the Rainbow Project and others to raise awareness about this issue, to offer support to those experiencing domestic and sexual violence and abuse and to raise the issue with employers.
We hope you find this guide helpful in campaigning to improve services and in negotiating workplace agreements to help those suffering domestic and sexual violence and abuse.
