Press release
New right to domestic violence leave comes into force
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Minister Roderic O’Gorman has today (27 November) announced the commencement of domestic violence leave.
Under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, anyone experiencing or at risk of domestic violence will be entitled to take five days leave in order to access supports. They will also be entitled to full pay during the period of leave.
To facilitate implementation of this new leave, Women’s Aid were commissioned to develop supports for employers to implement the leave and have established a dedicated website.
A series of webinars will be held by Women’s Aid which will provide advice and information to employers on domestic violence policies. These sessions are open to all employers and registration is now open.
Speaking today, Minister O’Gorman said:
"No one experiencing domestic violence should have to risk poverty or unemployment in order to seek support. From today, all employees will be entitled to five days leave on full pay so that they can access the supports they may need. This will make Ireland one of the first countries in the European Union to introduce this right."
Minister O’Gorman went on to say:
"Domestic violence leave is not just about the leave. It can start conversations in workplaces and society around domestic violence and raise awareness. Employers have a crucial role to play and I would encourage them to use the supports which have been developed to create a safe space for employees experiencing domestic violence."
Section 7 of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 introduces 5 days paid domestic violence leave in a 12-month period. The leave will be paid at the full rate of pay of the employee.
The leave can be taken without prior notice and can be used to access help from the Garda Síochána; source alternative accommodation; get a court order; seek medical attention; go to victim services organisations; seek counselling or other services.
The leave can be taken where the employee is the victim of domestic violence, including coercive control, or where they are supporting their spouse, partner or child who is the victim.
Women’s Aid were commissioned by DCEDIY to develop supports for employers to implement the leave and have established a dedicated website. A series of webinars will be held by Women’s Aid which will provide advice and information to employers on domestic violence policies. These sessions are open to all employers and registration is now open.