Special employment rights and protections when there’s family violence
Overview
Special leave from your job
In general, once you’ve been in your job for six months you have the right to take up to 10 days’ paid leave in any one year to help you deal with the effects of family (domestic) violence. For more information, see: “Family violence leave: What you’re entitled to”.
Flexible work arrangements for short periods
Employment Relations Act 2000, Part 6AB
As a victim of family violence you have a special right to ask your employer for short-term flexibility in your work arrangements for when and where you work. Your employer can refuse only if they can’t reasonably accommodate the changes you need. For more information, see: “Flexible work arrangements if you’ve experienced family violence”.
Protection against unfair treatment by your boss
Employment Relations Act 2000, s 103(1)(da) Human Rights Act 1993, s 62A
If you’re treated unfairly by your boss because you’re a victim of family violence, you may be able to take a personal grievance against them (see: “Resolving employment problems”), or complain to the Human Rights Commission (see: “Going to the Human Rights Commission”).
