The legislation we will be discussing today attempts to do just that. It will amend the Human Rights Law to make it unlawful for both public and private employers to discriminate in the terms and conditions of employment against an actual or perceived victim of domestic violence. The goal is to encourage victims to come forward about workplace related domestic violence problems and to improve workplace productivity by reducing stress, absenteeism and employee turnover. The second prong follows the lead of several public and private employers. The Policy will address matters such as how to make information and referral materials on domestic violence available to employees, how to respond to incidents of domestic violence among employees, what to do when confronted with an employee who is experiencing domestic violence and how to handle a situation where both the batterer and the victim work in the same location.
Domestic violence is insidious because very often it happens behind closed doors.
Its victims often feel powerless, isolated and alone. It is therefore vital for victims to feel that they can come forward and share their problems in an environment that will support and empower them. And it's insidious because it compounds the tragedy of physical abuse to allow domestic violence to deny a woman the job and economic independence needed to avoid returning to an abusive relationship. With the enactment of these bills, New York City will be at the forefront of efforts to protect and assist victims in all areas where domestic violence strikes, including the workplace. As a government that fosters economic progress for all New York City workers, it is our responsibility to protect victims from paying a second price, at the workplace, for problems at home that devastate them and their families.