- Conference
- 2014 National Black Members' Conference
- Date
- 1 October 2013
- Decision
- Carried
Black women are oppressed by both racism and sexism, so face a double strand of oppression in society as a whole. Violence against women and girls is the most widespread form of abuse in the world. Globally, one in three women will be raped or beaten in their lifetime. Statistics reveal the levels of violence experienced by women and girls in Britain are also at alarming levels.
While all women have the potential to become victims of male violence, Black women are susceptible to becoming victims of crimes that are predominately found in Black communities such as:
a)Forced marriage
b)Female genital mutilation
c)Honour-based violence
d)Human Trafficking
Conference recognises the enormous challenges faced by Black women victims of male violence, and the pressures they face not to complain about violence and abuse. There is often additional pressure put on Black female victims not to report crimes, for example, Asian victims are less likely to come forward and report rape due to shame and honour. However, an increasing number are calling rape crisis helplines, particularly those specialist services aimed at Black communities. However, these vital services are under sustained attack by the Conservative-led coalition as they withdraw funding for specialist services making it harder for Black women to find appropriate support.
Conference therefore believes that, when Black women complain of male violence, our trade union should start from a position of believing them. Conference believes that all women who complain of male violence have the right to be listened to and supported.
Domestic violence is a workplace issue that affects all genders as either victims or perpetrators and its affects are far reaching.
In UNISON we have established policy that absolutely recognises that domestic abuse is a gendered issue.
Conference therefore calls on the NBMC to:
1)Work with the NEC and Public Services International to develop a resource pack for global trade unions to use
2)Work with the National Women’s Committee to develop a web-based resource pack on specialist help and support services aimed specifically at Black female victims of violence.
3)Develop a campaign pack that could be used by members in partnership with local services to fight the cuts.
4)Review existing practices and guidance on how UNISON supports Black women who have been victims of male violence and where appropriate issue updated guidance.