Local Fianna Fáil Deputy Robert Troy has welcomed new measures aimed at helping victims of domestic violence.
The commencement of paid leave for domestic violence victims began came into force in recent weeks, while legislation was also passed in the Oireachtas to establish a statutory agency under the remit of the Department of Justice that is dedicated to tackling and reducing domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV ) and support victims and survivors.
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 www.DVatWork.ie
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.
"This new right to domestic violence leave is hugely important. It means anyone who is experiencing domestic violence will not have to worry about their jobs when they're trying to seek support.
"All employees are now entitled to five days leave on full pay in a 12 month period so they can access supports. Ireland is one of the first countries in the European Union to introduce this right.
"I'm also pleased that the Oireachtas has passed legislation to establish the DSGBV agency. It is expected to be operational next month (January 2024 ) and will deliver on commitments in the Zero Tolerance, the Third National Strategy on DSGBV.
"Fianna Fáil in government is committed to helping people experiencing domestic violence and I would encourage victims to come forward and access these supports so they can receive the help they need," Deputy Troy said.
