Horwath: It’s time to protect survivors of domestic and sexual assault

This morning at Queen’s Park, Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath introduced a private members bill that will extend 10 days paid leave to people who experience domestic or sexual violence. “It’s time to protect survivors,” said Horwath. “By giving people 10 days of paid leave as well as up to 15 weeks of unpaid leave, we’re giving them one of the pieces they may need to get their lives back.” The bill would provide time off for survivors to get to safety, speak to police, participate in court proceedings and get medical care including mental health care. For many, taking time to do those things could cost them a paycheque or even their job.  “Too often, survivors are left alone, without the options and without the protections they need to get out of violent relationships. That’s just not right,” said Horwath. “No one in this province should have to pay a price for looking out for their own safety or the safety of their kids. By passing this bill, we can make sure that no woman has to choose between her job and her safety.” Under the NDP proposal, the provincial government will cover the cost of extending paid leave to survivors – believing that ending intimate partner violence is the responsibility of everyone. “We have a collective responsibility to give survivors the support and protection they need,” said NDP MPP and Women’s Issues critic Peggy Sattler. “Guaranteeing they can miss work without missing a paycheque removes one of the reasons that some women feel trapped in abusive relationships. It means survivors can take time to find a safe place to live without losing the income they need to pay the rent.” Horwath and Sattler were joined by Harmy Mendoza, Executive Director of the Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (Woman ACT) and Dawnmarie Harriott, a survivor of domestic violence. “When I decided to leave my abusive partner, I was forced to quit a good, steady job. I ended up on the street,” said Harriott. “This paid leave and the right to 15 weeks unpaid leave would have helped me. It would have given me the time I needed to find a safe place to live. It would have made all the difference.” “In Ontario, there have been 290 domestic homicides between 2002 and 2014,” said Mendoza. “Usually, victim’s workplaces are known by abusers. As a matter of fact, this may be the only place where the victim can be found by the abuser, especially if she already made an effort to move homes in order to keep herself safe. Giving people the time they need away from work can save lives.” Horwath’s bill builds on the work done by Sattler, who introduced similar legislation last year which was stalled at the committee stage. The NDP also brought forward amendments to proposed labour law changes this summer which would have extended paid leave to survivors.  Wynne’s Liberals voted down those crucial protections.   “Women and survivors across this province cannot wait any longer for this government to find the courage to act,” said Horwath.