The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont

Since 1977,  The Legal Rights of Women in Vermont has been a “go to” source of information for Vermont women, their families, and the professionals that serve them.  Written in plain language,  the handbook, although written for women, covers issues affecting all Vermonters, such as marriage and divorce, adoption, wills and probate, women’s health, employment and education, housing and public accommodations, violence, public assistance and government benefits, insurance as well as others.  New features include information on human trafficking, health insurance, same sex marriage, and immigration.  The  new edition allows users to link directly to the Vermont Commission on Women’s comprehensive resource directory and to federal and state statute websites.  The result is reader-friendly content with easy-access reference links.

VCW's Brochure

Learn more about the Commission: who we are, what we do.
VCW Brochure (PDF file, 230 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

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. UPDATE: In June of 2012, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that annual and sick leave accruals are not employee benefits. Therefore, your employer is not required to accrue vacation and sick leave hours for the unpaid hours that you take off for either short-term or long-term family or parental leave.  However your employer may continue to allow you to accrue vacation and sick time during either short or long term leave.
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

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:
Download these materials for your workplace:
Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue (PDF file, 78 KB)

Full Report of 2011 Study:  How Does Domestic Violence Affect the Vermont Workplace? A survey of male offenders enrolled in batterer intervention programs in Vermont.
Schmidt, M.C. & Barnett, A. M.C. & Barnett, A. (2011). Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Center for Rural Studies

Executive Summary of Study
Schmidt, M.C. & Barnett, A. M.C. & Barnett, A. (2011). Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Center for Rural Studies

Model Workplace Policy

Read the white paper, Reclaiming Lost Ground for Vermont's Incarcerated Women. The Vermont Commission on Women took part in this collaborative effort to improve conditions for women inmates at the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility.

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

View Women in Public Life report, issued January 2013

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)

Listen, Talk, and Keep Talking

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

VCW's List of Sexual Harassment Prevention Trainers

Order This Document

VCW's Listing of Education Loans and Grants

VCW Listing of Trainers for Salary, Benefits, and Flexible Workplace Issues

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

Accessing Health Care in Vermont: A Woman-Centered Approach

How to Order Publications