The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed what survivors of domestic and sexual violence have always known: paid leave, flexible scheduling, and access to childcare are critical lifelines that allow workers the ability to attend to personal or family health and safety needs without losing income.
- Survivors, especially those who are paid low wages, face job-related economic and safety barriers every day.
- For workers surviving violence without the benefit of paid leave in order to access medical, legal, or counseling services, the threat of COVID-19 further exacerbates their economic insecurity.
- Although some states and local jurisdictions have enacted paid leave policies, the vast majority of survivors often face the impossible choice between their safety and a paycheck.
- As school districts nationwide close to slow the spread of COVID-19, many workers who are survivors may be forced to leave their jobs in order to care for their families.
Through the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA), some survivors may be eligible for paid emergency sick leave and/or extended family leave so please be sure that employees are aware of FFCRA and how they need to apply for the respective benefits.
Source: Workplaces Respond to Domestic and Sexual Violence, WHEN WORK IS SAFER THAN HOME, Supporting Workers Experiencing Violence during the Pandemic, https://www.workplacesrespond.org/page/covid19/
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