Communications International

Resolution on

VIOLENCE AT HOME AND AT WORK

A Union Issue

The regional Women's Committees of the Communications International have discussed a serious problem which requires urgent attention because it affects a large number of women world-wide.

Violence at home and at work is a serious and complex issue rooted in cultural, social, economic and organizational factors, but worsened where there is growing economic and social instability.  Unions have a continued responsibility to act on behalf of their women members, because of the personal, professional and economic implications of violence in the home, on the job and in society.  Unions must take the lead to prevent and solve this problem.

We are convinced that silence contributes to its perpetuation.  It is an evil that thrives in the darkness and must be brought to the light, openly discussed and dealt with in order to find solutions which will break this cycle of abuse in the family.

The Committees therefore urge unions to deal with the problem of domestic violence to demonstrate to women and their families their caring concern and to that end recommend the following actions:

• Adopt resolutions
• Develop educational and awareness raising material
• Distribute material
• Develop programs for training union representatives
• Undertake membership awareness campaigns
• Negotiate with employers policies to provide assistance to victims and families
• Build coalitions with other unions and social organizations
• Develop a supportive structure for the victims (hot-lines, counseling, shelters, legal assistance, financial assistance)
• Organize public awareness campaigns
• Campaign for appropriate legislation and its enforcement