How employers can help eliminate domestic violence

Five years ago today, a landmark international treaty was adopted to prevent violence and harassment in the world of work, including extending legal protection to survivors of domestic violence in the workplace.

Domestic violence has long been seen as a “private” issue. But the International Labour Organization (ILO) Protection from Violence and Harassment Convention No. 190 (C190)Clearly states that domestic violence affects workers’ health and safety, and calls on governments, employers and workers’ organizations to mitigate its impact on the world of work.

Women’s rights activists and unions have long Claim Treat domestic violence as a workplace issue. Data from around the world supports this view, including A global study by the Trade Union Congress The survey showed that more than 80% of the respondents said that domestic violence also had a negative impact on their work performance. The occupational impacts of domestic violence include absenteeism, poor work performance, and even unemployment for some victims.

Domestic violence can even follow survivors into the workplace in the form of stalking, threatening coworkers, or physical violence. C190 Employers are called upon to mitigate domestic violence by providing victims with paid leave, flexible work arrangements, temporary layoff protections, incorporating domestic violence into workplace risk assessments, and raising organizational awareness.

Last December, I heard firsthand from garment workers I interviewed in Indonesia how they or other garment workers they knew were both the main breadwinners for their families and survivors of domestic violence — violence by their partners to try to control them and their wages. One worker said domestic violence was an open secret in her village and was seen as part of being a married woman and the breadwinner for the family.

Indonesia has not yet approved the C190, although Indonesia Civilized Society Organizations like Perempuan Mahardhika have been strong advocates for ratification of the convention. They have also urged the Indonesian government to take a more comprehensive approach to addressing domestic violence.

Ratification of C190 is an opportunity for governments to strengthen legal protections for workers who are victims of domestic violence. In just five years, 44 countries have ratified the C190. These Countries understand that to eliminate domestic violence and reduce its impact on work, governments, employers and workers’ organizations need to work together. Indonesia and other countries should follow their lead. This would be the first step in recognizing that employers can help prevent and eliminate domestic violence.