When Paramedic Greta* married a co-worker, she never thought the relationship would jeopardize her safety, her career and her home.

Six years and two children later, 28-year-old Greta faces her husband’s fists, her landlord’s eviction notices and her employer’s effort to fire her because of absenteeism and poor work performance.

Karen* lived with her partner for six months before the abuse started. Jealousy and fear of abandonment escalated to physical assaults that resulted in permanent damage to Karen’s hearing and bruises so bad she missed work.

She failed to explain the situation fully, because she thought her employer would blame her, and her pay was docked for unexplained absences and lateness.

These women are not alone. Every 15 seconds a woman is battered in the United States. Battery accounts for more injuries among women than rapes, muggings and car accidents combined.

More women are victims of domestic abuse than are affected by breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes.

Domestic abuse crosses the lines of age, gender, sexual orientation, class and race, and it follows women to the office, hurting their concentration, output and safety.

Fortunately, DC 37 members who face domestic violence can get help from the union and from MELS, DC 37’s Municipal Employees’ Legal Services. MELS helps them file for orders of protection, cope with housing issues and get counseling from supportive social workers.

Leading the struggle for a better life for its members, DC 37 provided testimony that helped pass a new local law to protect victims from job discrimination.

In January, New York became the nation’s first city to enact a law prohibiting employers from firing people who are stalked, threatened or attacked by a current or former spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend or roommate.

“In the past, these women were victimized at home and at work. The new law shows we are here to help,” said Sheila Menashe, MELS social work director.

On Wednesday, April 18, MELS will hold a workshop on the new law. Experts will explain the new law and how to use it. Shop stewards and union reps are invited to learn how they can help.

MELS is also working with Columbia University on a study of victims’ needs. Members are invited to complete the anonymous survey. The data collected will influence legislation and policies regarding protection for women and children confronting domestic violence.

For a copy, please call Ms. Menashe at (212) 815-1806.       

*Names have been changed to protect individuals’ privacy.