Sinn Féin calls for paid leave for victims of domestic violence

Sinn Féin demands 10 days’ paid leave for victims of domestic violence. Sinn Féin’s bill will be considered in the Dáil this week.

Sinn Féin aims to use the time of their members on Tuesday to implement the Organization of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2019, which was first published last December.

The bill was drafted by party leader Mary Lou McDonald and Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan. Sinn Féin hopes that there will be support from other parties to pass the bill.

McDonald’s said the bill is essential to identify the impact of domestic violence on an individual’s life.

“Sinn Féin’s legislation provides for a statutory entitlement to domestic violence paid leave of up to 10 days. Domestic violence and abuse takes place in the home, but this abuse often impacts on victims work lives,” Ms McDonald said.

Paid leave can be a great relief to those who have to deal with domestic violence. Sinn Féin says paid leave can help secure new accommodation or appear in court.

Employers and legislators have a responsibility to respond to the challenges facing victims. Sinn Féin urges all TDs to support this important piece of legislation to ensure the protection and rights of the workplace.

Meanwhile, domestic violence in Ireland was reported to be on the rise during the Covid epidemic. During Covid’s first six months, 3,450 women and 589 children sought support for domestic violence.

The report points out that 575 women and 98 children per month or 19 women and three children per day are victims of domestic violence.

The DPP received 464 cases of domestic violence or breach of court order in 2019, but this year it has already received 684 cases in office, according to the Director of Public Prosecution.