| |
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
|
|
Guest Commentary: July 25, 2001
Stop Employer Discrimination
Against Victims of Domestic & Sexual Assault
The Honorable Paul Wellstone
|
Today I am going to introduce legislation, the Victims Economic Security and Safety Act, with Senators Murray, Schumer and Senator Dodd; and Representatives Carolyn Maloney and Lucille Roybal-Allard on the House side.
Basically, this legislation deals with what is a huge problem; that is to say, estimates are that as many as 50 percent of the victims of domestic violence have lost jobs in part due to their struggle. The same thing holds true for victims of sexual assault.
The legislation addresses three or four issues.
No. 1, it would provide emergency leave for those women -- sometimes men, almost always women -- who are having to deal with the battering and with the violence, be it in the home, be it sexual assault, be it stalking. It will allow them to take some time off from work to see a lawyer, to see a doctor, to do what they need to do.
No. 2, it would extend unemployment compensation to people who are forced to leave their jobs in order to provide for their own safety and their children's safety. Amazingly, this happens in about 50 percent of the cases: Quite often for these women, the man -- be it the former husband, a stalker, somebody who has assaulted them sexually -- will come to their workplace and constantly be there. And in order to be safe, in order sometimes literally to save their lives, in order for their children to be safe, they then have to leave work. We want to, with documentation, be able to provide some unemployment compensation.
No. 3, it would prohibit discrimination against victims of domestic and sexual assault. This is critically important. What happens is the employer--and some of the employers are great -- sometimes says: This is creating a lot of trouble. Therefore, we fire you. That is the last thing in the world you want to do.
It also provides protection from insurance company discrimination. There is no reason why women should be battered again by an insurance company that says: We understand that this guy has come to work, is threatening you, that you have this problem. We don't think you are a good bet for health insurance.
Finally, it provides tax credits to companies that will provide the programs and the help.
Note: This column has been adapted from a speech Sen. Wellstone delivered on the floor of the Senate, July 25, 2001.
 How to contact Senator Paul Wellstone (D-Minnesota)
Reading a past guest commentary? Click here for the most current one.
|
|
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
