FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 30, 2019

CONTACT: 
John Sattgast, Senior Public Information Officer to Rep. Mosbrucker | 360-786-7257
Katie Pope, Communications Manager – Washington Employment Security Department | 360-742-4514  

A new domestic violence survivor resources poster that will be featured in all Washington workplaces was unveiled today (Friday) during a news conference at the YWCA of Yakima by Rep. Gina Mosbrucker and Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) Commissioner Suzi LeVine. The poster will be produced and distributed by ESD.

Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1533, requiring information about domestic violence be provided in the workplace. In support, the ESD workplace poster (also available in Spanish) highlights the National Domestic Violence Hotline, provides information about online resources, and provides space for employers to list local domestic violence programs, as required in the bill.

“Nationwide, one in three women and one in four men have been victims of domestic violence. Here in Washington state, about 41 percent of women and 32 percent of men have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Between 2006 and 2015, 563 Washingtonians were killed as a result of intimate partner violence. Many victims don't know where to turn for help,” said Mosbrucker. “Often, the workplace is the only safe place for these victims. If they are afraid to go home from work, this poster, which will be displayed in every Washington workplace, gives them information to find a way out.”

The new poster is available from ESD's employer resources forms and publications page (esd.wa.gov/about-employees/forms-and-publications) for employers to download and display in the workplace where employees can read them.

“Employment Security is proud to have helped implement this important legislation which can help individuals whose lives are touched by domestic violence: victims, survivors and their families,” said LeVine. “By providing a list of domestic violence resources in the workplace where individuals who experience abuse are away and safe from their abuser, we hope they are encouraged to seek help.”

The bill passed the during the 2019 legislative session and took effect July 28.

“Domestic violence is such a sensitive issue that there's a reluctance to talk about this or even acknowledge it exists,” added Mosbrucker. “Some people's lives are at risk, so we are encouraging everyone to break the silence, tell their story and empower victims to get the help they need to end the cycle of abuse.”

A list of local domestic violence programs in Washington state can be found on the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence website (wscadv.org).