WHEREAS:

Every year 3 to 4 million women are battered by their husbands or partners. Research suggests the wife-beating results in more injuries that require medical treatment than rape, auto accidents, and muggings combined. All too frequently the battering has fatal consequences. According to the FBI thirty percent of female homicide victims are killed by their husbands or boyfriends. Domestic violence is widespread among all socio-economic, racial and ethnic groups. Estimates are that violence will occur at least once in two-thirds of all marriages. National crime survey data show that once a women has been victimized by domestic violence, the risk of being victimized again is substantial; about one-third of domestic violence victims are battered again within six months; and

WHEREAS:

Approximately 2.4 million children were reported abused or neglected in 1989 alone, 147 percent increase since 1979. One out of four girls and one out of 11 boys are sexually abused by the age of 18. The abuser is more often a relative or friend of the family. Child abuse occurs in all socio-economic, racial and ethnic groups; and

WHEREAS:

Problems of domestic violence spill over into the workplace. Absenteeism and lowered productivity can result from an employee's being the victim of domestic violence; and

WHEREAS:

The ability to keep a job and have an independent source of income is vitally important for victims of domestic violence if they are to obtain independence.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME strongly support HR 1502 and S 15, the Violence Against Women Act. In addition to providing a more favorable judicial climate for rape victims, the bill includes provisions to deter abusers from learning the whereabouts of a fleeing victim; creates federal penalties for spouse abusers who cross state lines to continue their abuse; requires states to enforce "stay away" orders from other states; triples funding for battered women shelters; and authorizes funding for prosecutors and courts to develop spousal abuse units; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourage all affiliated in the law enforcement field to work with employers to improve law enforcement in domestic violence cases; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will develop educational materials and training for AFSCME members to provide information to victims and to help local unions develop programs and procedures for recognizing and dealing with instances where members' job security is threatened as a result of being subject to domestic violence; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourages all affiliates to include counseling and other support services for victims of domestic violence in the menu of services available through employee assistance programs; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That AFSCME encourage all affiliates to support through volunteer efforts domestic violence shelters such as those for battered women.

SUBMITTED BY:

Joan Reed, President
Rita Musi, Secretary
AFSCME Local 2054, Council 37
New York, New York