162,000 women attacked, says ICTU

More than 162,000 women workers suffer domestic violence, according to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

The chairwoman of ICTU's women's committee, Ms Rhona MacSweeney, said the issue was one which impacted on the workplace and on women's ability to perform at work.

Speaking at the publication of a guide for trade unionists on how to deal with domestic violence, she said historically it has been seen as a private issue.

"But most people realise it is an issue. By having this policy in place it says people in the workplace need to take care of fellow workers and trade unionists need to take care of members."

The guide Domestic Violence in the Workplace, says a safe and supportive work environment "can be the key to helping women experiencing domestic violence take positive action".

It calls on workplaces, in conjunction with the employer, to draw up policy statements that commit all there to treating domestic violence seriously.

"The more we learn about domestic violence the clearer it becomes that its impact on people's lives will affect their performance in the workplace," it says. "Trade unions and employers need to understand this and be ready to deal with such problems as they arise."

It also recommends identification of a first point of contact for employees experiencing domestic violence; ongoing support to such employees including time off for counselling or visits to a solicitor and the possibility of relocation or redeployment where necessary.

Ms Rhonda Donaghey, vice chairwoman of the ICTU women's committee, said it was an issue that should be approached in a "low-key" way, and that the sufferer should be encouraged to come forward for support rather than being approached with it.

"But once that point of contact is offered [by the sufferer] the matter should be taken very seriously."

The guide is available from ICTU at 32 Parnell Square, Dublin 1, or on (01) 889 7777.