The Irish Congress of Trade Unions today launched a document highlighting the problem of domestic violence.
The document, entitled 'Domestic Violence and the Work Place' is aimed at raising awareness of the problem and providing a platform from which a policy on domestic violence can be developed in every workplace.
Figures provided by Congress indicate that as many as one in five women are affected by domestic violence in some way or another.
Domestic violence is defined by the ICTU as "The use or threat of physical, emotional or sexual abuse within all kinds of intimate relationships that cause harm or distress those experiencing such abuse."
Congress says trades unions have a central role to play in supporting women who experience violence at home. It believes that a policy, developed with the employer, can help to create a safe and supportive environment for women where they can tackle the problem.