Women鈥檚 rights group: End corporate silence on domestic violence
Former representative Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela Women’s Party-list joins the panel at the Zero VAWC Alliance’s forum on ending domestic violence on Monday, February 3, 2025. —Jown Manalo/黑料社
MANILA, Philippines — Women’s rights advocates have launched a policy framework urging companies and institutions to take a proactive role in supporting domestic violence survivors and ensuring safe workplaces, citing the proliferation of corporate silence on domestic violence cases.
Introduced by the Zero VAWC Alliance, the framework outlines nine key principles for organizations to address domestic violence, including survivor support, accountability measures, and workplace policies that promote safety and equality.
“This framework seeks to provide clear policy guidance for companies and institutions, encourage safe reporting mechanisms and survivor support, and foster a zero-tolerance culture against domestic violence and abuse,” Emmi de Jesus of Gabriela Women’s Party-list said during a forum on Monday.
READ: Gov’t, private firms urged to help curb violence vs women, children
According to De Jesus, the framework highlighted domestic violence as not just a personal issue but a workplace concern that affects employee morale, safety, and productivity.
Article continues after this advertisementIt likewise called on companies to implement safety planning, flexible work arrangements, confidential reporting channels, and financial assistance for affected employees.
Article continues after this advertisementThe nine core principles of the framework are:
- Commitment to safety, equality, and freedom from violence
- Recognizing domestic violence as a workplace issue
- Raising awareness and education
- Promoting economic independence as a workplace priority
- Aligning corporate policies with sustainability goals
- Ensuring confidentiality in reporting
- Holding leaders accountable for addressing domestic violence
- Engaging with communities to drive systemic change
- Continuously improving policies and workplace standards
“Freedom from domestic violence is a fundamental human right,” De Jesus emphasized.
“Companies must address domestic violence’s impact on workplace culture, employee morale, legal obligations, and public image. Failure to act can tarnish an organization’s reputation,” she added.
De Jesus underscored that the policy framework also urges businesses to integrate their approach with sustainability goals, particularly the Philippines’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality.
She added that organizations are encouraged to educate employees about domestic violence, promote open dialogue, and engage communities in collective action to prevent abuse.
With this initiative, the Zero VAWC Alliance aims to push businesses and institutions to recognize domestic violence as a systemic issue that requires structured, long-term solutions.
“By adopting these principles, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting individuals, promoting safety, and fostering a violence-free society,” De Jesus said.
