Its hard to ignore the seriousness of the problem when in 2021 alone, over 79 femicides were committed in Canada. When it comes to domestic violence, recent data shows a spike in calls to domestic violence helplines and police especially from women and girls.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps and flaws in the systems designed to keep people safe. at a time when tensions were heightened as never before in couples, families and workplaces.
Moreover, the pandemic has created conditions that have led to greater isolation of people already at risk of domestic violence, thereby increasing their vulnerability.
As a matter of fact, when it comes to perceived threats to their personal safety, data shows that in Canada, 1 in 10 women reported being very or extremely concerned about the possibility of violence in the home.
Indigenous women and women belonging to visible communities are particularly at risk, as are transgender women.
The violence experienced is not only physical, but also psychological in the form of harassment and can occur in the home as well as in the workplace.
We each have an important role to play in addressing gender-based harassment and violence. In the workplace, you can do your part to create real change and safer work environments for all workers.
Make your voice heard!
At CAPE, we stand united against gender-based violence and continue to fight for everyone to feel safe and respected in the workplace.
Violence in the workplace: Bill C-65
For several years, CAPE participated in lobbying efforts to introduce Bill C-65 which was meant to strengthen the existing framework to prevent and protect employees from harassment and violence.
Bill C-65 recognized harassment and violence as a workplace hazard.
The new bill passed in 2018 and in January 2021 new regulations on workplace harassment and violence prevention came into force.
The employer is now better equipped to prevent, respond to, and provide support to those affected by harassment and violence in the workplace.
Domestic violence: can your employer help you?
Unions are staunch advocates for well being and safety in the workplace, but have also recognized the role an employer can play in supporting survivors of domestic abuse at home.
In 2019, CAPE negotiated a new clause in the EC and TR collective agreements to help employees dealing with domestic violence by allowing them to benefit a 75 hours special leave to seek help and take time needed to remove themselves from an abusive and dangerous situation.
LoP and PBO members may refer to Article 19.18 “Leave with or without pay for Other Reasons” of their respective collective agreements to acquire leave for spousal/domestic abuse.
Are you at risk? Or Someone you know?
Find some resources below:
Domestic violence in the workplace
Domestic violence in the workplace – for departments and separate agencies
Survivors of abuse have many options to get help and we encourage them to do so.
If you are a survivor of domestic violence, you can:
- Call 911
- Contact: Regroupement des maisons pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale to find help in Quebec
- Ending Violence Association of Canada (EVA CAN) for the rest of Canada
- Contact your Workplace Occupational Health & Safety Committee representative
Be an ally
Don’t be a bystander. If you see violence and harassment in the workplace or know a colleague in an abusive relationship and at risk of domestic violence, you can redirect them to available help and resources. Your action can save lives.
About
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women & 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. These 16 days will conclude December 10, on Human Rights Day. During this campaign, we will also mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6. This day is to commemorate the lives lost at the École Polytechnique of Montréal in 1989, where 14 young women were murdered in a brutal act of gender-based violence, as well as the all the lives lost to femicide and gender-based violence around the world.
