In 2014, the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children (CREVAWC) and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) released the results of a comprehensive study on domestic violence in the workplace. Of the 8,429 respondents, more than one-third reported having experienced domestic violence in their lives.

Women, racialized, Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ people and persons with a disability experience the highest rates of victimization. Men also experience this type of violence, but to a lesser degree.

Domestic violence can have serious impacts on the workplace. In the study, 82 per cent of those who experienced domestic violence found that it negatively affected their work performance, whether it was through distraction, fatigue, lateness, interruptions at work from the abuser, poor concentration and/or absenteeism.

All the details of the study are in the report CAN WORK BE SAFE, WHEN HOME ISN’T? Initial Findings of a Pan-Canadian Survey on Domestic Violence and the Workplace.

Every worker has the right to feel safe. It is our obligation to stop domestic violence and protect those who are affected by it.

You can find more information on domestic violence at the CLC Domestic Violence at Work Resources Centre.

PSAC has negotiated, and continues to negotiate leave provisions in collective agreements to support employees who experience domestic violence. Check to see if your collective agreement contains these provisions.