The Government of Ireland introduces the Domestic Violence leave
Workers experiencing domestic violence in Ireland now have legal entitlement to five days paid leave per year, effective from today under Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
Key Provisions:
- Leave Entitlement: Five days of paid domestic violence leave in a 12-month period.
- Eligibility: Available without prior notice for employees who are victims of domestic violence or supporting family members (spouse, partner, or child) who are victims, including cases of coercive control.
- Awareness and Support: A dedicated website (www.DVatWork.ie) has been launched, and Women's Aid will provide webinars and resources to aid employers in implementing domestic violence policies.
Government Perspective:
Minister Roderic O’Gorman emphasizes the importance of supporting individuals experiencing domestic violence and positions Ireland as one of the first EU countries to introduce this right.
Employer Responsibilities:
- Legal Requirement: Employers must offer statutory leave, ensuring full pay for employees taking domestic violence leave, regardless of their service duration.
- Sensitivity: Acknowledges potential challenges in requesting leave in advance and encourages employers to manage such requests with sensitivity.
- Resources: Employers are urged to use resources provided by Women's Aid and access policies, training, and support materials at www.DVatWork.ie.
Impact:
Deirdre Malone, Head of Employment Law at EY Law Ireland, sees the legislation as a significant step forward in supporting impacted employees. The focus is not only on the leave itself but also on initiating conversations about domestic violence in workplaces and society.
Women’s Aid Statistics:
The move comes amid increased reports of domestic violence. Women’s Aid reports a 16% rise in contacts, with over 31,000 reaching out for help in 2022, including 33,990 disclosures of domestic abuse.
For further details, visit www.DVatWork.ie.