Stop the Cycle of Domestic Violence - A Letter from VP Andrea Vaughn

Dear union siblings,

I write this with a broken heart. We now mourn the loss of another one of our union siblings, friends, coworkers, and confidants due to domestic violence. We grapple with the tragedy of a child experiencing life-threatening harm and left to navigate the rest of her life without her mother.

As we have grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, another pandemic has worsened: gender-based violence. Pre-COVID, at least one in three women and girls experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence—mostly by an intimate partner. Feel that statistic sink in: At least one in three. We also know that men, boys, and nonbinary people experience domestic violence too. That means many of our union siblings experience the terror of abuse and violence.

"As we have grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, another pandemic has worsened: gender-based violence. Pre-COVID, at least one in three women and girls experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence—mostly by an intimate partner. Feel that statistic sink in: At least one in three."

Men who are reading this, I ask that you take the time to read and re-read the statement written by our colleague and Union President Mike Yestramski. He has called out a culture of toxic masculinity that needs to be dismantled by men. People’s lives depend on it.

I want to specifically speak to those of you who may be trapped in a cycle of abuse. You may feel alone. You may feel like it is your fault. You may feel like no one is here to help.

You are not alone. It is not your fault. I see you, and I know that leaving may feel or be impossible.

If you are in a domestic violence situation please know you can reach out to your union for support and safety. We are committed to supporting you and connecting you with advocates who will center you, your needs, and your concerns.

You matter.

Our union WFSE, in an effort to prevent domestic violence and promote healthy, respectful relationships, is participating in the 10th annual Refuse To Abuse 5K at T-Mobile Park! Register and/or donate today.

Resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/  
National Hotline: 1 (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://wscadv.org/
Washington Hotline: 1 (800) 562-6025

Stats from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/STATISTICS

In solidarity,

Vice President Andrea Vaughn

Vice President Andrea Vaughn

Andrea Vaughn was elected vice president in 2019 at the AFSCME Council 28/WFSE 48th Biennial Convention. She believes that worker power comes from numbers and that mentorship, education, transparency, union growth, and strong contracts are all critical for a successful movement.