Higher Ground:

NCJW’s Domestic Violence Campaign

As a speaker and advocate for victims of domestic violence, the most frequently asked question I hear is “Why does she stay?” The answer is complex and highly individual, as no two victims are alike. But just for a moment, imagine that some disaster has struck and you have to leave your home right now. Where would you go? Do you have any money? Who would help you? Victims of domestic violence do not have positive answers to these questions and the fear of being homeless and destitute is real because two-thirds of the women and children in homeless shelters are fleeing abuse. And women who do have friends and family to turn to, do not have the financial resources to fight their abuser in the courts and losing custody of children is all too often the result.

            NCJW is responding to the additional distress caused by economics to domestic violence victims with a new campaign. Launched at NCJW’s Washington Institute, the Higher Ground campaign is a national effort to end domestic violence by improving the economic status of women. NCJW has always been an advocate for women’s safety and economic security. Now with the Higher Ground campaign, you have an opportunity to expand your impact by addressing the connections between these two critical issues. Sign up for Higher Ground today at www.ncjw.org. In the months ahead, NCJW will provide you with important updates, educational resources, and action alerts.

            For those who do not have computers, we will continue to include actions you can take in this campaign in the Prism. One of the bills that was presented at Washington Institute is “The Healthy Families Act” (HR 2460/S 1152), legislation sponsored by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) that would guarantee workers the opportunity to earn up to 7 paid sick days per year. Although the federal government offers at least 13 paid sick days to its employees and no state government offers fewer than 8 to theirs, 4 in 10 private-sector employees do not receive the same consideration. As such, men and women are forced to go to work sick, send a sick child to school, or improvise less-than-ideal solutions when a family member is sick. Further, paid sick and safe days would protect the paychecks and jobs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking when they need time off to seek assistance. This job security is particularly important because the loss of employment can be devastating for victims who need economic security to ensure safety.

            Take action on this bill today, either through the NCJW website or by contacting your representatives directly. And thank you for all you do to help the victims of domestic violence.

—Lesley Frost