Workers across Australia now have access to unpaid domestic violence leave, a change that will better support victims and their families.
Earlier this year, the Fair Work Commission made a decision to update all industry and occupation awards to include a new clause about family and domestic violence (DV) leave.
Effective from the first full pay period on or after August 1, 2018, workers can take up to five days unpaid DV leave to deal with family matters without fear of losing their jobs.
The changes take effect less than a week after New Zealand passed legislation that grants victims of domestic violence 10 days paid leave - a world first.
Domestic Violence NSW on Wednesday welcomed the move of the Fair Work Commission as a step in the right direction.
"This sends a very clear message that employers have a responsibility in this space but also more broadly that this is something that Australia cares about, absolutely it's a step in the right direction and it's something we should be really proud of," said Ms Moo Baulch, Chief Executive Officer of DV NSW.
But Ms Baulch would like Fair Work to follow the lead of the NZ parliament and introduce paid leave for domestic violence victims.
"Often what women need more than anything else is financial certainty to keep their jobs, to pay their bills, be able to feed their kids before they go to school and unfortunately for some women this is not going to give them that extra kind of certainty and security around finances," Ms Baulch told SBS News.
An estimated one in six women (1.6 million) in Australian have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner they live with since the age of 15.
According to the latest figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 72,000 women, 34,000 children and 9,000 men sought homelessness services in 2016–17 due to family/domestic violence.
The Australian Women Against Violence Alliance recommended in a pre-budget submission that the Fair Work Act establish a minimum of 10 days paid family and domestic violence in recognition of the "disruption caused by this violence" and to ensure victims stay in the workforce.
If you or someone you know is impacted by domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
