A new proposal aims to provide paid leave for domestic abuse victims to ensure their safety and well-being
Gloucester: A new law is on the table that could give domestic abuse victims paid time off work. This is called ‘safe leave’ and it’s designed to help them find safety and deal with their situation.
The proposed law would allow those facing domestic abuse to take several days off to sort out things like finding a safe place, handling health issues, or even going to police interviews.
Labour MP Alex McIntyre is pushing this private members’ bill in the Commons. He’ll get a chance to explain why it’s important during a 10-minute speech on Tuesday.
If anyone wants to oppose it, they can also speak up before the MPs decide whether to move forward with the bill.
So, what exactly is ‘safe leave’? It’s paid time off for employees who are victims of domestic abuse, allowing them to tackle the challenges that come with it.
McIntyre mentioned that he’s talked to local organizations in Gloucester. They’ve pointed out that survivors need better support, including this safe leave option.
He explained that the bill would give victims the right to paid leave to handle various issues, like finding a safe place, dealing with health or housing problems, or attending court.
Interestingly, Northern Ireland already has a law that gives domestic abuse victims 10 days of paid leave each year.
As for the stats, the National Centre for Domestic Violence says one in five adults will face domestic abuse in their lifetime. That’s one in four women and one in six or seven men.
In the year ending March 2022, police recorded over 1.5 million domestic abuse incidents in England and Wales, which is a 7.7% increase from the previous year.
Looking ahead to Tuesday, McIntyre will introduce the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill to the House of Commons. He’s aiming for it to be considered further by MPs.
The proposal suggests giving victims 10 days of paid safe leave, but this will be discussed further.
After his speech, if the bill gets the green light, McIntyre will set a date for a second reading.
He’s also been in talks with ministers about ongoing efforts to support victims. McIntyre believes this bill is a step toward making workplaces safer for those affected by domestic abuse.
