NNEDV Calls on Congress to Pass Paid Sick Days for Survivors

January 15, 2015

The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) echoes President Barack Obama’s message today that calls on Congress to pass the Healthy Families Act, championed by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), which would allow millions of working people to earn up to seven days per year of paid sick time. Workers could use this time to care for themselves or a sick family member, obtain preventive care, or address the impacts of domestic violence.

“A survivor’s paid job is often her only clear pathway out of an abusive relationship and into a safer, self-sufficient life,” said Kim Gandy, President and CEO of NNEDV. “Yet, dealing with the necessary steps to find safety – such as going to court, moving into shelter, relocating to a safer home, seeking medical treatment – often require a survivor to miss work. Guaranteed sick and safe days for domestic violence survivors will allow victims to manage practical and pressing issues while maintaining their economic stability.”

A survivor’s paid job is often her only clear pathway out of an abusive relationship and into a safer, self-sufficient life.

Without adequate paid leave, domestic violence victims risk losing their jobs. Each year, domestic violence victims cumulatively miss nearly 8 million days of work. Ninety-six percent of domestic violence victims report having problems at work, and up to half have lost a job due, at least in part, to domestic violence. The economic impact reaches beyond the individual survivors and their families as, each year, domestic violence costs U.S. employers up to $13 billion.

“We applaud the President’s leadership on this vital issue and urge Congress to act on this legislation, which will both increase safety and economic stability for survivors and keep businesses, workplaces and communities safer,” said Gandy.

Without adequate paid leave, domestic violence victims risk losing their jobs.

Our Economic Justice Project works to strengthen victim advocates’ financial capabilities to better assist survivors of domestic violence move from short-term safety to long-term security, and to an economically sustainable independent life. With support from The Allstate Foundation, we employs our signature “train-the-trainer” approach to deliver financial literacy lessons to victim advocates across the United States. Additionally, we work to ensure that legislative reforms respond to the economic needs of survivors.

Learn more about the President’s proposals here.