A law that gives leave to people who are experiencing domestic violence has come into effect.

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 a 12-month period in order to access supports.

They will also be entitled to full pay during the period of leave.

Roderic O’Gorman (Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth) has now commenced the relevant section of the legislation.

Webinars for employers

To facilitate implementation of the new entitlement, Women’s Aid was commissioned to develop supports for employers.

The organisation has set up a dedicated website, DVatWork.ie, and will also hold a series of webinars to provide advice and information to employers on domestic-violence policies. These sessions are open to all employers and registration is now open.

Minister O’Gorman (pictured) said that the measure could also “start conversations” in workplaces and society about domestic violence.