Online support hub for employers implementing statutory domestic violence leave

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 came into force on Monday, November 27 and includes a new requirement for employers to offer paid leave to those subjected to domestic violence. This new Statutory Domestic Violence Leave of up to five days, over a period of 12 months, has been designed to help vulnerable people cope with what can be an extremely stressful situation in their lives.

To support Irish employers to implement this leave, a new online support hub for employers (www. DVatWork.ie) was created by Women’s Aid - a leading national organisation working to address and prevent the impacts of domestic violence - as contracted by the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth (DCEIDY).

This new online hub hosts support materials and services for employers developing domestic violence and abuse policies, including a policy template and guidance note, how to access information sessions and how to access email support services for employers.

Speaking at the recent Sarah Benson, CEO of Women’s Aid explained: “Domestic violence and abuse is a workplace issue. That might seem like an odd thing to say about something that most consider belonging in the realm of personal relationships, but the reality is that domestic abuse tactics and impacts extend far beyond the home and into all aspects of victim-survivors’ lives. We know that more than 1 in 3 (37%) working people surveyed across multiple industries and at varying levels of seniority have experienced domestic abuse.

“Issues of coercive control and economic abuse can be linked directly to work, when we think about the consequences of someone being pressured or coerced to give up employment and their economic freedom by an abusive partner.

“We are striving towards an equal Ireland where there is zero tolerance to violence against women and everyone has a role to play. The workplace has the potential to be a pivotal contributor to achieving this vision.”