A Scottish council has become the first in Europe to give “safe leave” to employees who have suffered domestic abuse. The South Ayrshire’s policy will offer up to 10 days of paid leave to let staff to seek help and support for themselves and their families. It was supported by 28 councilors in December and has now been approved.
New Zealand passed its domestic violence victims’ protection bill in July 2018 and became the second country to adopt the policy after the Philippines first did in 2004. Some Canadian provinces provide leave for domestic violence victims while Australia’s Labor party leader Bill Shorten has promised paid leave for victims if he wins the next election.
The approval of the police comes after councillors Laura Brenna-Whitefield and Brian McGinley put forward the proposal. The leave will allow employees to attend medical appointments and counselling, attend legal proceedings, seek safe housing and visit support agencies.
Councillor Peter Henderson said: “Across South Ayrshire, we’re committed to supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities and working with our partners to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence.
“Giving abused employees access to up to 10 days’ safe leave, where they can take the time off they need to access help and support without the worry of it affecting their finances or using up their annual leave, will make a real and lasting difference that could help change lives forever.
“And just by making that support available, it could help give employees the confidence to ask for help and take the first steps towards a safer life for them and their families.
“Domestic abuse will never be tolerated in South Ayrshire but, sadly, we know it happens, and we want to ensure that – when it affects our employees – we do all we can to support them.”
The new legislation in Scotland says the abusive behaviour is behaviour that is violent, threatening or intimidating. This abuse is when someone is:
- making a partner dependent or subordinate
- depriving a partner of, or restricting, freedom of action
- controlling, regulating or monitoring a partner’s day-to-day activities
- isolating a partner from friends, relatives or other sources of support
- frightening, humiliating, degrading or punishing a partner
Mr Henderson added: “Our people are undoubtedly our best assets and I’m proud that we’re introducing positive and progressive policies that provide increased support to employees at a time when they need it most.
“These include additional paid maternity and paternity leave for parents of premature babies, which is already making a positive difference for employees, and we will continue to do what we can to lead the way and support our people and places.”
The legislation has been welcomed by many domestic abuse charities.
Hazel Bingham, manager of South Ayrshire Women’s Aid, said the council’s move was a “massive step in the right direction”.
“Having a compassionate and supportive employer that allows people the time they need to attend vital appointments, access help and advice, and do what they need to do means they don’t need to worry about using up annual leave or going off sick,
“It’s essential that council employees know they will be fully supported when they approach their manager or colleagues about their situation and making use of safe leave.
“We’re proud to be working in partnership with the council to deliver training and support to ensure there is a clear understanding of the complexities of domestic abuse and employees can make the best use of the safe leave available to them.”
