Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced a bill that addresses the economic barriers that trap victims in abusive situations and examined ways to end domestic violence in the workplace. The Survivors' Empowerment and Economic Security Act was presented in response to two tragic incidents of domestic violence; both victims were killed at their respective workplaces by former partners. At the April 17th hearing, Senator Murray stated that "[w]hen domestic violence follows victims into the workplace, it reveals a key connection between safety and economic independence." She noted that many victims were empowered and able to become self-reliant by working.
The legislation allows victims to take time off work to get legal assistance without penalty from their employers, provides victims access to state unemployment if they have been fired or forced to leave a job as a result of abuse, prohibits discrimination in insurance and employment based on domestic or sexual violence, and strengthens the Family Violence Option in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
Compiled from: Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses, 2006 Women's eNews, 29 September 2006.
For more information, please visit Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses, Women's ENews, 29 September 2006; Senate hearing testimony on domestic violence in the workplace; Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety; Murray Holds Hearing and Introduces Bill on Domestic Violence in the Workplace, Press Release, U.S. Senator Patty Murray, April 17, 2007.