Support paid domestic violence leave

SINN Féin has progressed legislation through the Dáil that will provide for a statutory entitlement to domestic violence paid leave.

Despite the significant increase in demand for services during the pandemic, domestic violence and abuse continues to be under-reported due to stigma, shame and fear.

Said Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh: “Domestic violence and abuse do not stop when a victim leaves their home and often follows them into their place of work.

“Legislation has a role to play in protecting women in the workplace and to ensure that victim’s rights and entitlements as employees are enhanced and protected.

“Sinn Féin’s legislation provides for a statutory annual entitlement of up to 10 days domestic violence paid leave.

“This provision would enable victims to take the necessary time off work that they need to seek support, find accommodation or attend court in a structured and supported environment. It also addresses unpredictable absenteeism and reduced productivity for employers.”

Along with the provision of proper funding for domestic violence shelters, the legislation to provide domestic violence leave is part of a number of steps that must be taken to help victims of domestic violence get support, get to safety and rebuild their lives, she said.

“New Zealand, Australia and provinces in Canada have all introduced forms of paid leave. Ireland’s ratification of the Istanbul Convention and enactment of supporting legislation were important landmarks that must now be built on.

“ICTU recently called on the government to ratify ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment in the World of Work. Article 18 of the accompanying recommendation identifies the provision of paid leave for the victims of domestic violence, flexible work arrangements and awareness-raising about the effects of domestic violence as appropriate measures to mitigate the impacts of domestic violence in the world of work.

“This legislation would be an important addition to existing workplace rights and critically it would give victims the time to secure the support they need in the knowledge that their employment is secure.”