Protection for the Vulnerable

The Canadian government just announced new legislation to offer domestic abuse leave for those leaving dangerous relationships. Those in federally regulated positions -- about a million workers across the country -- will be eligible to take five paid days and five unpaid days as they reestablish themselves. There is already provincial legislation in Manitoba and Ontario which offers similar benefits for those leaving abusive relationships.

https://www.ontario.ca/document/your-guide-employment-standards-act-0/domestic-or-sexual-violence-leave

This is important news and an initiative we should all support. Women (it is mostly women) will often stay in dangerous relationships because they are in precarious work situations and worry about what will happen for themselves and their children should they leave and end up unemployed. This sort of legislation gives some protection and assurance.



Many readers of this blog will know that Ruth, my wife, worked as a women's shelter outreach worker for a decade. Many of her clients were not in the shelter but contacted her from the community because of their circumstances. They were reluctant to get out because of the uncertainty, and Ruth worked with them to create safety plans and consider their options for children's schooling, legal counsel, and housing. It is a daunting prospect for those who have been battered psychologically and physically.

I've mentioned that at least ten of Ruth's clients through the years were women from the congregation I served. In most situations the people around them on Sunday mornings had no idea of the trauma with which they were living, and sadly we often want to keep up appearances when we come to church when what we need is the support of our community of faith.

I figure this sort of legislation is a step in the right direction. How about you?

Today's Groundling blog: A Trillion Litres and Living Water

http://groundlingearthyheavenly.blogspot.com/2018/08/a-trillion-litres-and-living-water.html