Employers in Ireland are now legally required to offer paid leave to workers who are being subjected to domestic violence.
The Work Life Balance Act, which was passed earlier this year and has now come into effect, provides for up to five days paid domestic violence leave over a period of 12 months.
Ireland is one of the first countries in the European Union to introduce this right. According to the Minister for Children and Equality Roderic O'Gorman, no one experiencing domestic violence should have to risk poverty or unemployment in order to seek support.
Research shows that more than one in three working people surveyed across multiple industries and at varying levels of seniority have experienced domestic abuse.
An online support hub was launched for employers ahead of the introduction of the statutory five-day leave. DVatWork.ie provides free resources to support employers to implement the new leave entitlements, including a policy template with guidance notes, information sessions and an email support service.
The hub has been developed by Women's Aid and funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
“To reassure employers, addressing domestic violence as a workplace issue is not about taking on the role of a counsellor or support worker,” said CEO of Women’s Aid Sarah Benson.
“Rather, it is about creating a safe, supportive environment for victim-survivors to disclose what they are experiencing by reducing the stigma surrounding the issue and offering targeted support.”
