APPENDIX 35
Memorandum submitted by Unite (T&G)
Unite—the Union, (T&G section)
welcomes the inquiry and believes that the importance of workplace
agreements on domestic violence should be stressed very strongly.
We therefore enclose a copy of the union's factsheet on Domestic
Violence and an article which gives a case study example of a
domestic violence policy agreed with an engineering company in
the West Midlands, published in the union's women's magazine,
Together.
We also believe that gender-based violence
can interfere with women's ability to maintain economic stability
and women who are economically more stable are better protected
against the risk of domestic violence.
Unite—the Union, (T&G section)
is very concerned at the over-sexualisation of girls and young
women and the sexual bullying in schools. We are also concerned
about magazines aimed at "lads" that are placed alongside
regular publications.
We therefore call for:
1. The Implementation of a
national action plan to end violence against women. This should
include a coherent and integrated approach that involves stakeholder
organisations, government agencies and trade unions.
2. Consistent and regular
funding to vital services, including refuges and Women's Aid.
3. Violence against women
to be recognised as a hate crime.
4. Steps to ensure that public
bodies will factor in preventative measures to end violence against
women under the Gender Equality Duty.
2 October 2007
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