Are women who work vulnerable to workplace violence and harassment?
A. Women who work are vulnerable to situations of violence and harassment in the workplace. In certain industries, such as food and hospitality services, domestic/care services and the garment industry, female workers are disproportionately represented. Many women who work in these sectors work long hours under poor working conditions in isolated circumstances. Women who work in these conditions do not have the same access to legal information, resources and support. If they experience workplace violence or harassment they may have difficulty accessing information about their rights and getting adequate support.There are a few legal clinics in Ontario to help non-unionized workers file complaints with the Ministry of Labour when they feel their rights have been violated under the Employment Standards Act. Some clinics also help workers file human rights claims when they have been sexually harassed. There are, however, very few supports for women who experience different forms of violen
