Safety, respect and protection from abuse

Domestic Workers · Know your rights

No one has the right to hurt, threaten or harass you.

What you should get

• Effective protection against all forms of abuse, harassment and violence (C189, Art. 5).
• A safe and healthy working environment (C189, Art. 13) — for example, safe use of cleaning chemicals and equipment.
• Social security protection, including maternity, no less favourable than other workers (C189, Art. 14).
• Children under the minimum working age must not do domestic work, and young workers must not miss compulsory schooling (C189, Art. 4).

Check for

• You know where to go if you feel unsafe

What you can do

• If you are in danger, leave to a safe place and contact local police or emergency services.

Sources: ILO C189, Art. 4, 5, 13 and 14 (NORMLEX)

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/domestic-workers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org