With domestic violence on the rise, our team participated in training presented by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS), on Domestic Violence in the Workplace. How do we recognize it and what as an employer can we do to support a victim of domestic abuse?
Opening our training session, we had the honour of hosting Christina Gray – Minister of Labour, MLA Deborah Drevor (Calgary-Bow), MLA Maria Fitzpatrick (Lethbridge-East) and Jan Reimer – Executive Director of ACWS (and past Mayor of Edmonton). Minister Gray discussed the domestic violence provision of Bill 17. MLA Drever spoke about a private member’s bill she introduced: it was unanimously passed and allows victims fleeing domestic violence to break a lease early, without financial penalty. MLA Fitzpatrick shared her courageous story of escaping an abusive relationship.
Our eyes were opened today to the prevalence of domestic violence and its pervasive affects through a victim’s life, including the workplace. At PC Corp, we strive to create an enviroment where our staff celebrate together the good things and are comfortable supporting each other through the difficult times. We champion women in the workplace. We champion women in IT. As without the female voice there is an imbalance to how our culture (socially, politially, at home and at work) moves forward.
For more information on the work of the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, visit: www.acws.ca.