“If you don’t come home now and make me lunch, you’ll be in big trouble.”

Imagine getting a message like this from your partner in the middle of your work day. And knowing that the threat is real.

It’s a sad reality for women who are experiencing domestic violence that abuse can carry over into the workplace, threatening their job security and financial independence.

A recent Canadian survey on domestic violence and the workplace conducted by The Canadian Labour Congress and The University of Western Ontario indicated that a third of respondents had experienced domestic violence at some point in their lives. Of those respondents, more than half said domestic violence followed them to work, compromising their safety and job security at least once.

Although cat calling and other unwanted sexual or invasive comments are a form of sexual harassment, they are often not treated as seriously as other forms of violence against women. For many women, street harassment is a stressful day-to-day occurrence that begins in childhood.  

It’s common to underestimate the impact of harassment, after all how much could a simple comment really affect someone? The reality is street harassment often results in fear, dehumanization and feelings of powerlessness. Many individuals who have been the target of unwanted comments or touching on the street experience severe and long lasting impacts.

With his contagious sense of humour and optimism, Michael Kimmel aims to engage men in gender equality, making the case that it will benefit men as well as women.

He is the SUNY Distinguished Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at Stony Brook University in New York, and the author of more than 20 books including Manhood in America, Angry White Men, and the bestseller Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men.

As keynote speaker at this year’s Canadian Women’s Foundation Breakfasts, Michael will bring his message to Toronto on October 26 and Calgary on October 28.