For Immediate Release: New Survey Closing in on the Impact of Domestic Violence in the Workplace

St. John’s, NL – The St. John’s Status of Women Council has partnered with the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children at the University of Western Ontario to launch a critically important survey on the impact of Domestic Violence on workers and workplaces in Newfoundland and Labrador.

A national survey conducted by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) in 2014 found that Domestic Violence (DV) negatively affected the working lives of more than 80 per cent of DV survivors. Over half of those reporting DV experiences indicated that at least one type of abusive act occurred at or near the workplace. More data is needed to fully understand the scope of the impact of DV on workplaces in our province.

“Domestic Violence costs the Canadian economy a staggering $7.4 billion annually,” said Jenny Wright, Executive Director of the St. John’s Status of Women Council. “The good news is that Canadian and international research has shown that positive change can happen when the right types of policies, training and other supports are put in place. By completing the DV at Work survey, you can contribute to creating workplace practices that help support victims of DV and their co-workers.”

The survey is anonymous, and participation is voluntary. All workers in Newfoundland and Labrador over the age of 15 are invited to participate.

“We are working hard to ensure participation from all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, all genders, Indigenous people, and people with different perspectives and experiences,” said Ms. Wright. “Your voice is important, whether or not you have personally experienced or witnessed violence.”

The DV at Work survey is available at https://sjwomenscentre.ca/dvatworknl/. Paper copies of the survey can be accessed by calling (709) 753-0220.

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Media Contact
Jenny Wright
Executive Director
St. John’s Status of Women Council
Tel. 709.753.0220
jenny@sjwomenscentre.ca

About St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre
The St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre is a feminist organization that since 1972 is continually working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women in the St. John’s area. The St. John’s Status of Women Council operates the Women’s Centre, Marguerite’s Place Supportive Housing Program and the Safe Harbour Outreach Project.

Backgrounder
A nationwide survey was launched by the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) and the University of Western Ontario in 2014 to help understand national DV trends. The resulting data illustrated that DV is a systemic barrier to women’s economic security. This has severe implications for our province’s labour force and presents a tremendous cost to our economy.

The CLC’s initiative was inspired by ground breaking surveys used to gather data in Australia. The Australian findings identified the prevalence and impact of DV on the workplace and resulted in vital new legislation. It mandated domestic/family violence workplace benefits, including dedicated paid leave and flexible work arrangements.

A growing number of provinces in Canada are implementing DV Leave legislation and policies to make workplaces safer. New Brunswick has most recently implemented DV Leave.

RESULTS FROM THE CLC’s PAN-CANADIAN SURVEY (2014):
• Over half (53.5 per cent) of those reporting DV experiences indicated that at least one type of abusive act occurred at or near the workplace. Of these, the most common were abusive phone calls or text messages (40.6 per cent) and stalking or harassment near the workplace.
• 53 per cent of survivors felt their job performance was negatively impacted.
• 75 per cent had difficulty concentrating on their work.
• 19 per cent reported causing or nearly causing workplace accidents due to their violent relationship.
• 40 per cent of those who reported experiencing Domestic Violence, said DV made it difficult for them to get to work.

We’re HIRING: Policy and Partnerships Coordinator

Policy and Partnerships Coordinator

The St. John’s Status of Women Council/Women’s Centre is a feminist organization that since 1972 is continually working to achieve equality and justice through political activism, community collaboration and the creation of a safe and inclusive space for all women in the St. John’s area. The St. John’s Status of Women Council operates the Women’s Centre, Marguerite’s Place Supportive Housing Program and the Safe Harbour Outreach Project.

Position Summary
The St. John’s Status of Women Council is leading a ground-breaking new project that will make a significant contribution to the research and policy gap associated with domestic violence (DV) and its effect on the provincial labour market. This project will address the need for provincial data on DV, facilitate knowledge transfer among partner organizations, and aid DV survivors in obtaining and retaining employment.

The successful candidate for this position will prepare DV survivors for future skills requirements in the labour market. They will research and develop a pilot program to assist DV survivors in successfully entering the labour market and securing employment. Additionally, they will work with employers and employees throughout the province to provide education on the negative effect of DV in the workplace and create resources to develop policies and strategies for combating that negative effect.

This work is part of a three-year project. This position will work closely with the Senior Women’s Economic Policy Analyst (SWEPA) as they actively pursue provincial DV Leave legislation.

Responsibilities
• Collaborating with the SWEPA in developing, establishing, implementing, and evaluating project initiatives including employment options for survivors of DV.
• Creating and disseminating resources to guide the development of workplace policies/strategies to address DV.
• Building and cultivating positive working relationships with employers and their employees.
• Connecting with people to facilitate, train, coach, and collaborate on issues related to DV and the workplace.
• Research, writing, and policy development.
• Facilitating meetings, consultations, and presentations.
• Must be able to travel within the province.

Qualifications
• Master’s degree (policy, gender studies, economics or other related studies) required.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in research (qualitative and quantitative), writing, policy development, and providing gender-based analysis.
• Extensive knowledge of domestic violence.
• Extensive knowledge of gendered labour force issues and use of labour force data.
• Experience as a lobbyist/advocate.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated analytical, time management, communication (verbal and written), organizational and interpersonal skills required.
• Demonstrated leadership, delegation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills involving innovation/creativity in solution development.
• Proven leadership, goal development, and evaluation skills.
• Experience working in an inclusive and diverse environment, (i.e. working with Indigenous, LGBTQI2S, trans, and sex working women).
• Bilingualism is an asset.

Hours of Work
35-hour work week; hours are flexible. Must be able to travel as required.

Compensation and Benefits
Offering a competitive salary and full benefits package.

Closing Date
Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2018.

To Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to Jenny Wright, Executive Director of the St. John’s Status of Women Council at jenny@sjwomenscentre.ca.