Gender-based violence — whether it occurs at or outside of the workplace — affects how survivors show up and participate at work. Women need a strong economic safety net to disrupt cycles of violence because economic barriers and instability limit survivors from being able to access resources, support and safety. Survivor-friendly workplace policies, including paid safe days, are critical to ensuring survivors can achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency. That’s why survivors need Congress to guarantee emergency supports during the pandemic and pass the Healthy Families Act for permanent protections.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2015), National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2015 Data Brief – Updated Release.
Rothman, E. F., Hathaway, J., Stidsen, A., & de Vries, H. F. (2007), How employment helps female victims of intimate partner violence: A qualitative study, Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 12(2).
McLaughlin, H., Uggen, C., & Blackstone, A. (2017), The Economic and Career Effects of Sexual Harassment on Working Women, Gender & Society (31):3.
Frye, J. (2017), Not Just the Rich and Famous: The Pervasiveness of Sexual Harassment Across Industries Affects All Workers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2003), Costs of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the United States; cost estimated at $727.8 million in 2003, adjusted for inflation.
National Partnership for Women & Families analysis of state laws as of August 2020.