THE DIRECTOR of Limerick’s refuge for women and children suffering domestic abuse has welcomed the announcement that work leave has been sanctioned for abuse victims.
However she revealed also that previous offers by refuge staff to train workplace managers in supporting victims of abuse had a very low take-up.
Denise Dunne, Director of Services with Adapt House, told the Limerick Post that the leave is part of a strategy which was put forward earlier this year.
“I am delighted to hear that this is going to happen. Dealing with abuse is very difficult for all women and for women trying to hold down a job and deal with abuse, it is difficult.”
The Government has announced the introduction of paid leave for victims of domestic violence as part of the approval of publication of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022, which will introduce a range of measures to improve family-friendly work practices and support women in the work force.
Once enacted, those who are suffering or at risk of domestic violence will be entitled to five days of paid leave per year.
The Government will also put in place supports for employers to assist them in developing domestic violence workplace policies and to better support employees experiencing domestic violence.
Ms Dunne said this measure is particularly significant.
“Encouraging employers to put in place a policy in relation to domestic abuse and establishing a culture of support, through displaying posters and information leaflets and training key staff, is of huge importance.”
Despite this, the refuge director said that there may still be a way to go on this measure.
“We put a set of guidelines in place ten years ago and offered training for key people in the workplace – such as managers and human resources – but the uptake was quite low.”
