A new survey of 15,000 Australian women from the Australian Institute of Criminology has found that almost 1 in 10 women have experienced domestic violence during the coronavirus pandemic.
The BBC has reported a 20% increase in domestic violence globally.
The United Nations reported that in Australia 40% of frontline workers reported more request for help with violence.
We know that domestic violence can happen to anyone. We know that many ASU members will have a direct experience of domestic violence or will have worked with those affected by domestic violence.
The union movement is calling on the Federal Government to introduce ten days paid domestic violence for all workers.
Add your voice and sign the petition.
We Won't Wait, because women can't wait.
The Australian Services Union has produced the Workplace Guide to Preventing and Responding to Domestic Violence. This is a practical tool put together by ASU members who work in frontline domestic violence services. Download a copy here.
We acknowledge the life saving work of ASU members working on the frontline in domestic violence services. We call on the Federal Government to ensure that funding of these service is not cut. The Federal Government has not yet committed to continuing to fund Equal Pay which could see cuts of $500 million to the social and community services sector.
For confidential information, counselling and support call 1800RESPECT.
https://www.megaphone.org.au/petitions/we-won-t-wait-because-women-can-t-wait