Conference calls for action on domestic abuse

(17/06/09) Domestic violence accounts for one in six violent incidents and 85% of victims are women, according to Home Office statistics.

Domestic violence and abuse is devastating to all - families and communities - and has more repeat offences than any other violent crime. Two women are murdered each week in England and Wales by their violent partner or ex-partner, while one in seven men in same-sex relationships are victims of domestic abuse.

The harsh reality is that UNISON members are both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse, the union's conference heard in Brighton today, but they also provide the frontline services to deal with the it: police staff, social workers, health practitioners to name a few.

Conference agreed to lobby government to adopt the UN or a statutory definition of violence or abuse against women and make sure that services that provide support for victims are properly funded and get the judiciary to work towards a consistent and effective sentencing policy.

Delegates also called for the focus to be on "abuse" rather than "violence", as "abuse" encompasses coercion, intimidation and fear as well as physical attack against a person.

In the workplace, the union will encourage branches to negotiate workplace policies on domestic abuse, using UNISON guidance and policy.

UNISON members who are victims of abuse can seek help through the union's registered charity UNISON Welfare.

UNISON in conference

Bookmark, print, post, feed or send to a friend:

Print version

RSS feeds