Western University researchers, in partnership with the Canadian Labour Congress are launching a national survey on the impact of domestic violence on workers and workplaces.
The goal is to provide made-in-Canada findings that will help unions, employers, advocates and governments develop strong public policy, as well as workplace supports.
Nadine Wathen, a professor at Western's Faculty of Information and Media Studies, said in a statement "There is very little Canadian data about the scope and impact of domestic violence on workers and workplaces, making it difficult for workers, unions, employers, and governments to make evidence-informed policies and deliver effective services...We do know that having a job helps women leave a violent relationship."
Barbara Byers, executive vice president of the Canadian Labour Congress, added "Although unions have worked hard to pressure governments to pass workplace violence legislation that offers some protection for workers experiencing violence at home, it is still not enough."
One goal of the survey is to raise awareness among employers and workers about the impacts of domestic violence, before it is too late.
Byers says the labour movement believes workplaces still need better paid leave or unpaid leave options to help people deal with all of the effects of domestic violence.
The online survey is being released a day before the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6.
It is available in English and French until June 6, 2014 and any worker over the age of 15 is encouraged to complete the survey, whether or not they have personally experienced or witnessed domestic violence.
The survey is anonymous and takes 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
To learn more or fill out the survey visit: http://www.learningtoendabuse.ca/
