VCW's Publications

The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont

This handbook provides information to help women understand their rights and responsibilities under state and federal law. Chapters include: Adoption, Guardianship and Emancipated Minors, Consumer Protection and Fair Credit, Domestic Relations, Education, Employment Rights, Housing and Property Rights, Immigration, Insurance, Name Changes, Public Accommodations, Public Assistance and Government Benefits, Reproductive Rights, Violence Against Women and Children, Wills, Probate Court, and Advanced Directives. Newly revised 2011 edition – debutes soon!
View the Handbook

VCW's Brochure

Learn more about the Commission: who we are, what we do.

VCW Brochure (PDF file, 230 KB)

The Vermont Guide to Parental and Family Leave

This 20-page booklet provides information for employees and employers about parental, family, and short-term leave. Information includes descriptions of federal and Vermont state laws, detailed definitions for each type of leave, and answers to commonly-asked questions.
Vermont Guide to Parental and Family Leave (PDF file, 5 MB)

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: A Guide for Employees and Employers

This 20-page booklet provides general information, including a definition of sexual harassment, descriptions of state and federal laws, policies for Vermont businesses, and steps employees can take if harassed.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace (PDF file, 674 KB)

An Insider’s Guide to Getting Appointed to Vermont State Boards and Commissions

This 16-page booklet takes the reader through step-by-step preparation for the boards and commissions applications process.

Getting Appointed (PDF file, 1,037 KB)

Vermont boards and commissions have multiple appointing authorities, many include the Governor. Link here for vacancy information and an application: Governor's Boards & Commissions Office

Vermont Employers and Workers: Domestic Violence Doesn't Stay Home When Victims Go to Work

VCW partnered with the Vermont Attorney General's office, the Vermont Council on Domestic Violence and other advocates to address domestic violence as a public health and safety issue in the workplace. Download these materials for your workplace:
Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue (PDF file, 78 KB)

Sample Workplace Protocol (PDF file, 22 KB)

Model Workplace Policy (PDF file, 42 KB)

VCW's Report: The Status of Women and Girls in Vermont

2011 Women in Public Life Report (PDF file, 274 KB)

2009 Status Report (PDF file, 735 KB)

2008 Status Report (PDF file, 384 KB)

2007 Status Report (PDF file, 417 KB)

2006 Status Report (PDF file, 701 KB)

2005 Status Report (PDF file, 335 KB)

Equal Pay

Vermont employees have the right to equal pay for equal work. If you run a business or work in Vermont, this brochure will help you understand Vermont’s Equal Pay Act.
Equal Pay Brochure (PDF file, 65 KB)

Employers and employees: use this tool to protect your workplace against pay equity violations
Link to Business and Professional Women Foundation's Equal Pay Audit

Listen, Talk, and Keep Talking

VCW's tips and tools for parents when confronted with objectionable sexual or violent language or imagery
Listen, Talk and Keep Talking (PDF file, 243 KB)

"What Teen Girls Say": A Statewide Survey of Vermont Girls

2010: Employment and Education (PDF file, 224 KB)

2009: Money Matters (PDF file, 1,982 KB)

2008: Health and Wellness (PDF file, 1,089 KB)

2007: Bullying and Harassment (PDF file, 1,053 KB)

2006: Growing Up in Vermont (PDF file, 1,340 KB)

Vermont Workplaces Support Nursing Moms

Employers and employees: find out more about the needs and rights of moms returning to work.
Nursing Moms (PDF file, 182 KB)

Managed Care and You: A Simple Guide to Choosing and Using a Managed Care Health Plan

A set of comprehensive educational materials for health consumers, these booklet detail how managed care works, how to choose a health plan, what to do to get the health care you and your family need, what your rights are in managed care, and what to do if you have a problem with your health plan.
Managed Care and You (PDF file, 5,847 KB)

Accessing Health Care in Vermont: A Woman-Centered Approach

Adopted by the VCW in 2005, this paper addresses the need of Vermont women to access affordable health care throughout their lives.

Health Care in VT (PDF file, 155 KB)

How to Order Publications

When ordering VCW publications, please provide us with your name, address, and phone number, as well as the name of the publication you wish to receive.

Commission on Women

State of Vermont