Domestic workers around the world deeply welcome the proposals for an ILO Standard against violence and harassment in the world of work. We welcome it not just for ourselves but for all workers, most especially those who are marginalised and therefore most at risk of abuse, intimidation and exploitation.

In this document we set out why domestic workers, our workplace, and clear definitions of who we need protecting from are among the issues that must be specifically included for this new Standard to be effective and bring about significant and lasting change for the better. Only then might domestic workers and indeed other marginalised workers be optimistic that we can provide our highly valuable services in the safe and secure conditions that we deserve and are entitled to.

Contents

1. We deserve more protection

2. Why we need a Convention, not just a Recommendation

3. What the new ILO Standard against violence and harassment in the workplace should include
3.1 Fundamental principles and rights at work
3.2 A comprehensive definition of “worker”
3.3 Clear definitions of “violence and harassment” in the world of work
3.4 The “world of work”: what is included in “the workplace”?
3.5 Who are the “employers” responsible for violence?
3.6 A comprehensive prevention strategy

4. Information Sources

5. About the IDWF