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Community Corner

Community Update

Sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking victims/survivors should not have to choose between immediate health or safety and continued employment to support their families.  But imagine that an abuser is interfering with the victim’s ability to work by preventing the victim from going to work, harassment at work or sabotaging other aspects such as transportation or child care.[1]  Or that the victim/survivor needs time off from work to seek medical attention or attend court hearings but fears losing the job as a result. 


 


These are real examples of how violence can interfere with the victim’s/survivor’s employment—often their only access to economic stability.  A bill (S853/H1764) to establish employment leave for victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault sponsored by Representative Thomas Stanley and Senator Cynthia Creem would eliminate this double-bind for victims/survivors.  This bill is a priority for the membership of Jane Doe Inc. because of the remedies it provides for victims and survivors seeking safety and stability. The bill is also supported by the business community because they recognize that this is also an economic issue for them due to lost productivity and other workplace costs. 

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Through a combination of public policy, individual advocacy and community resources, we can help victims make choices that provide for both personal safety and economic security.

Find out what's happening in Walthamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Mary R. Lauby, Executive Director of JDI and Laura Van Zandt, Executive Director of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence


 

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