Fully Paid Domestic Violence Leave To Commence In The Autumn

The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, announced yesterday that victims of domestic violence will receive their full pay if they need to take domestic violence leave.

The provision for domestic violence leave is a new entitlement under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023 passed earlier this year and provides for five days of paid leave for those impacted by domestic violence or to support a relevant person who has been subjected to domestic violence. Employees seeking to avail of this type of leave will have to disclose the nature of the leave to their Employer but will not have to provide evidence beyond that.

Domestic violence leave will be formally introduced in the autumn with the publication of regulations setting out the rate of pay and guidance for Employers. Part of this guidance will include supports for Employers regarding domestic violence workplace policies, which will be published at the same time as the leave is commenced.

The decision on the rate of pay was reached following consultation with Employers’ Representatives, trade unions and domestic violence support Organisations. The requirement to consult with domestic violence support Organisations on the rate of pay was added to the legislation at Report Stage by Minister O’Gorman to ensure that those who work most closely with victims of domestic violence would have the opportunity to contribute their views to the process.

Regulations to give effect to the rate of pay will be published in the autumn and section 7 of the Act will then be commenced.

We will keep you updated on this and any further developments in the near future.