International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a global crisis and a fundamental violation of human rights that has no place in our workplaces or communities. From a trade union perspective, it's a critical workplace issue, a health and safety matter, and an equality concern that requires collective action.

This year’s theme focuses on the digital realm. The UN says that “Violence against women on online platforms is… a serious and rapidly growing threat that seeks to silence the voices of many women….”

“It is a form of violence on the rise due to weak technological regulation, a lack of legal recognition of this type of aggression in some countries, the impunity of digital platforms, new and fast-evolving forms of abuse using AI, movements opposing gender equality, the anonymity of perpetrators, and the limited support for digital victims.”

Tackling the Root Causes:

PCS understands that ending VAWG means challenging the cultures that allow it to thrive. This includes:

• Bargaining for better policies: Negotiating with employers for specific domestic abuse policies, including paid leave for survivors, which some unions have already won.
• Challenging toxic narratives: We must call out how far-right groups exploit concerns about women's safety to push divisive agendas. This manipulation ignores the fact that their broader policies often undermine women's financial independence and access to support services, making women more vulnerable in the long run.
• Advocating for systemic change: We campaign for broader economic policies that support women's independence, such as closing the gender pay gap, ensuring decent pay (like a £15 minimum wage), and investing in public services and the welfare state. Financial independence is often a key factor in a person's ability to leave an abusive situation.

The union's role: support and action

PCS reps provide vital support to our members experiencing domestic abuse or sexual harassment and our union is dedicated to ensuring members feel safe and have access to the help they need.

• Domestic abuse reps' guide: PCS has a guide for union representatives to help them spot the signs of domestic abuse and support affected workers.
• "Work Without Fear" campaign: This initiative aims to challenge unacceptable behaviours and ensure that workplaces are harassment-free zones, empowering members to speak out and employers to take responsibility. PCS has produced a sexual harassment toolkit and materials to support this work.