Relates to the entitlement to unpaid leave of absence for victims of domestic violence

Title of bill

An act to amend the labor law, in relation to the entitlement to unpaid leave of absence from employment for victims of domestic violence

Purpose or general idea of bill

To allow victims of domestic or sexual violence to take unpaid leave of absence to address ongoing domestic or sexual violence issues.

Summary of specific provisions

The labor law is amended by adding a new article 19-C, entitled "Unpaid Leave of Absence for Victims of Domestic or Sexual Violence". Under this bill, any employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence shall be eligible for ninety days of unpaid leave from their employment during any twelve month period in order to address ongoing domestic or sexual violence.

Justification

Victims of domestic or sexual violence often suffer long term physical and emotional problems requiring medical and counseling services as a result of their domestic violence. In addition, children of domestic or sexual violence victims often need special assistance in coping with the aftermath of this special kind of violence. Additionally, victims often must go through a lengthy legal process. Sometimes victims must relocate to another residence to prevent more violence.

All of these issues may take substantial time for a victim to address and resolve. This bill seeks to help victims by assuring them that their employment will not be lost due to their victimization. A victim of domestic or sexual violence should not have to fear that one result of the violence perpetrated against her, is that she will end up losing her job.

Legislative history

2008 Referred to Labor

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect ninety days after it shall have become a law.