SOROPTIMIST WORKPLACE CAMPAIGN TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Becki Barton-Nicholes, Region Coordinator, SI Ceres

Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence - October 2nd

Every year, SIA's partner organization, the United States-based National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), designates the first Monday in October as the Day of Unity and the entire month as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This year, the Day of Unity will be celebrated on Monday, October 2nd. On this day, individuals and groups are encouraged to show their solidarity with battered women and children. SIA's involvement in October 2nd projects marks the beginning of an international Day of Unity on behalf of victims of violence.

The Soroptimist Workshop Campaign to End Domestic Violence is an ongoing effort to raise awareness about a seldom addressed domestic violence issue: domestic violence as a workplace concern.

Domestic violence is a workplace issue because of the effect it has on women and on business. Women do not leave abuse behind when they leave the house. Their abusers often harass them at work, by phone or email. In the worst case scenario, perpetrators come to the workplace and threaten women and their co-workers. Furthermore, domestic violence can lead to lateness, absenteeism and uneven work performance.

Businesses also suffer if they do not have guidelines in place to deal with domestic violence. In addition to an increased risk of workplace violence, it also costs businesses productivity. According to a World Bank study, one work day in every five lost by women is the result of health problems associated with domestic violence.

These costs spill over to the economy of the entire country. Domestic violence cots countries millions of dollars in health care, police and court cots, and lost productivity. In the United States, researchers have found that losses arising from domestic violence range from $10 billion to $67 billion per year.

The Workplace Campaign seeks to provide information to women about services available to them. Clubs across the federation place hotline cards in employee paycheck envelopes, leave them in women's restrooms, and other places where women have easy access to them. This is a safe environment where women can feel comfortable picking up a card.

Approaching women in the workplace is important because women who are being abused are often isolated from friends and family members by their abuser. Often, the work day is the only time that the victim is away from her abuser. This may be her only opportunity to find out about what type of support and services are available to her.

Finally, Soroptimist is an organization for business and professional women. Focusing on the workplace is a good match. Soroptimists are in a position to educate women that they have a right to feel safe and to live free from violence.

Club President's received a packet devoted to this project. If you have any question on how you can help, contact your club President.