New law to require leave for domestic violence victims

Wisconsin advocates for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault are likely applauding a new law in New Jersey that provides work leave and other protections for employees dealing with these issues. The new law makes available the domestic assault protections to workers in companies with 25 or more employees. New Jersey is the latest of several states to offer such protections to its workers.

The law, called the NJ SAFE Act, provides up to 20 days of unpaid leave during each 12-month period for employees to deal with issues regarding sexual assault or domestic violence. The incident’s victim must have been the employee or his or her child, spouse, parent, civil union partner or domestic partner for the benefit to apply. In order to be eligible, the worker must have been employed by the business for at least 12 months and has to have worked 1,000 or more hours during the 12 months preceding the request for leave. The New Jersey Department of Labor recently published a notice informing employees of their rights under the law, which all employers are required to post.

At least a dozen other states have passed similar laws. In addition, several cities have their own such laws, and the federal government is considering legislation which would address this issue.

Domestic violence can be a horrifying experience. Someone who has been a victim of this type of abuse may wish to consult with an attorney who has experience in these matters. Such an attorney may be able to suggest certain types of remedies that may be available, such as restraining orders.

Source: Forbes, “Domestic Violence And Sexual Assault, NJ Becomes The Latest To Provide Leave For Victimized Employees“, Gene Connors, September 26, 2013