Domestic Violence & Employment Project (Project SURVIVE)
The Domestic Violence and Employment Project (Project SURVIVE) enables survivors of domestic violence to obtain and maintain employment while receiving necessary medical care and pursuing critical legal remedies in order to become economically independent. The Project also educates legislators, judges and investigators at administrative agencies about the importance of jobs to victims of domestic violence and the ways in which domestic violence affects the working lives of employees and their families. In this way, Project SURVIVE encourages those who are in positions of authority and influence to make reasoned, fair-minded decisions that dramatically affect the lives of our clients.
The Project serves victims of domestic violence and their advocates nationwide, with an emphasis on residents of California.
Brief History
There are powerful economic barriers that prevent survivors of domestic violence from leaving their batterers. Millions of low-income workers are abused at home every year. The violence that pervades their lives, and the injuries that result from this violence can significantly affect their ability to work.
Victims of domestic violence often need to take time off from work to seek a restraining order, to seek medical attention, or to make arrangements to leave their batterer. Unfortunately, many victims of domestic violence are fired from their jobs for taking time off from work to seek judicial assistance or medical attention. Victims of domestic violence are also often terminated or forced to leave their jobs because they are perceived by their employers as posing a special workplace safety risk.
While the law provides certain protections to which they could avail themselves, most domestic violence victims are unaware of important employment rights, such as reasonable accommodation, part-time work schedules, unpaid leave, and unemployment compensation. The Project helps victims of domestic violence maintain their economic independence, which is crucial to escaping the cycle of violence, and provides critical assistance to victims of domestic violence by advocating for their employment rights. The Project enables victims of domestic violence to keep their jobs while seeking medical and legal assistance so that they are not unfairly forced to choose between economic security and their safety.
Project Services
Legal advice and counseling: The Project provides free legal information and assistance to domestic violence survivors through the toll-free Project SURVIVE Helpline at 1-888-864-8335. You may also contact our Workers’ Rights Clinics.
Community outreach and education: The Project offers in-service trainings at domestic violence organizations, and for workers and employers throughout California and nationwide. The Project also publishes public education materials and self-help materials on issues of domestic violence and employment rights for clients, legal services providers, and advocates.
Litigation: The Project will litigate cases that it believes will result in favorable case law for domestic violence victims in the workplace.
Legislative advocacy: The Project participates in legislative efforts on the federal and state levels that expand the employment rights of domestic violence victims.