Skip to main content

Statutory Domestic Violence Leave Commenced on Monday 27th November 2023.

Support materials and services for employers developing workplace domestic violence and abuse policies in response to the introduction of statutory domestic violence leave in Ireland.

The Government of Ireland has introduced domestic violence leave under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. This is a legal requirement for employers to offer up to five days of paid leave over a period of 12 months to employees affected by domestic violence.

To implement domestic violence leave effectively, it is recommended that employers embed this support measure within a wider organisational response to domestic abuse, outlined in a workplace domestic violence policy. The policy offers clarity and support to both employers and co-workers in responding to the needs of an employee subjected to domestic violence.

This page provides support materials and services for employers developing their workplace domestic violence policies. They were developed by Women's Aid as contracted by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Policy Template and Guidance Note

Download the Policy Template document in PDF format

Policy Template: Workplace Supports for Employees Affected by Domestic Violence

This policy template is suitable for adaptation by employers of any size, industry, or work setting. It incorporates statutory domestic violence leave alongside recommendations for other useful supports in responding to domestic abuse in the workplace.

Download Policy Template - English(PDF)

Download Policy Template - Gaeilge(PDF)

Download the Guidance Note document in PDF format

Guidance Note: Workplace Supports for Employees Affected by Domestic Violence

The Guidance Note complements the policy template on workplace supports for employees affected by domestic violence. It provides the background, essential information, and additional considerations on each section of the policy template to guide employers in their implementation of domestic violence leave and the development of a supporting policy.

Download Guidance Note - English(PDF)

Download Guidance Note - Gaeilge(PDF)

Need Further Support?

Women's Aid offers a specialist service for employers to support them in creating a safe and understanding space for employees subjected to domestic abuse. We do this through training, policy development and integration support, and awareness raising. For more information see: Support for employers

If you are concerned about an employee or colleague, the Women's Aid website outlines some basic steps that you can take to assist and give support here: Helping someone else. You can contact the 24hr National Freephone Domestic Violence Helpline on 1800 341 900 to speak to one of our trained Support Workers. The Women's Aid National Helpline Instant Messaging Service is also available every morning and evening, seven days a week. Learn more about these services here: Get help