Legislation helps protect domestic violence, rape victims
- Mar 25, 2015
- 1 min read
LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) - There could soon be more help available for survivors of domestic violence. A package of bills to that end was introduced Tuesday morning in the Michigan Legislature.
They ensure confidentiality for survivors and urge colleges to update their policies. Victims can't be disqualified from unemployment benefits. It also prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants.
One of the bills, introduced by Grand Rapids Democrat Winnie Brinks, would give survivors time to recover with no fear of losing their jobs.
"No one should ever decide between going to police or keeping a job," said Rep. Brinks. "No one should have to ever decide whether to take their children to a shelter or lose a day of pay."
Grand Rapids YWCA CEO Carla Blinkhorn says she's happy to hear steps are being taken to protect victims of domestic violence and rape.
"I think it's important not only to an employer, but also an employee," she said. "It really helps the relationship if an employee can be honest about those kind of situations in their household and in their lives."
Comments