The government has teamed up with Women’s Aid to help employers develop tools for employees experiencing domestic violence.
Under the Work Life Balance Act 2023, which was signed into law in April, people will be entitled to five statutory paid days of leave if they are experiencing abuse at home.
Equality Minister Roderic O’Gorman said: "The introduction of domestic violence leave has the potential to make a significant impact on awareness of domestic violence among employees and employers.
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"I recognise that this is a very difficult issue to address for employers and the development of these supports by Women’s Aid will ensure that an employer is aware of how they can provide a working environment where an employee is encouraged to be open about abuse in their personal relationships."
He added: "I intend to commence the provisions around domestic violence leave in autumn, once work has progressed on the supports for employers to develop their own domestic violence workplace policies.
"The regulations setting out the level of pay for domestic violence leave will also be published in the coming months."
Meanwhile, Women’s Aid Chief Executive Sarah Benson said: "Women’s Aid have extensive experience collaborating with employers on the successful implementation of domestic violence workplace policies, and we are delighted to support the DCEDIY with this important work.
"Domestic violence policies and guidelines for workplaces are a real ‘win, win’ for employees and employers alike: increasing staff wellbeing, supporting staff retention and also reducing the stigma of an issue that causes serious harm in Irish society."
She added: "We are busy in preparation for the commencement of this legislation and will be engaging with key stakeholders before dissemination of template policies and guidelines to assist employers of all sizes to help create a zero tolerance towards Domestic Abuse in every workplace in the country."
The rate of pay for domestic violence leave has not yet been decided.
Women’s Aid, who will develop templates and guidelines for employers of all sizes, was awarded the contract following an open tender process.
Figures released by the Gardai last September show domestic abuse primarily affects women.
Stats show 77 per cent of victims are women and show that domestic abuse is the key driver of female gender-based violence.
It also emerged that a staggering 52 per cent of murders in Ireland in 2021 began with a history of domestic violence.
Other startling figures in the Garda report show the offender being male in the majority of incidents (74 per cent) with a female victim.
Speaking last year, Detective Chief Superintendent, of the Garda National Protective Services Bureau, Colm Noonan, said, "An Garda Síochána is unwavering in our commitment to supporting victims of domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence, and investigating and prosecuting offenders."
In March, new data released showed lockdowns saw an increase in domestic violence cases – and the statistics showed there were 54,000 cases in 2022.
That compares to 44,500 in 2019, an increase of 21 per cent, and 50,000 in 2021, or a jump of eight per cent.
Earlier this year, AIB announced that all staff who experience domestic abuse could take 10 paid days off.
Those working at the bank will also be provided with five days of paid emergency hotel accommodation at the company’s expense if affected.
The bank is also offering staff security assistance to ensure their personal safety on the way to, from, and at work, counselling services, and the option of a salary advance to assist financially where required.
AIB Chief People Officer Geraldine Casey said: "We welcome the Work Life Balance legislation.
"As one of Ireland’s largest employers, we want to show our commitment to stand with colleagues experiencing domestic violence and to ensure that we are creating a culture that keeps the well-being of our people to the forefront.
"The enhancements to our policy provide important practical supports and build on the resources that we already have in place.
"Our policy has been informed by the experience of a staff member who was a victim of domestic violence and is now working to improve supports for vulnerable customers.
"We are committed to continue to play our part to support both colleagues and customers impacted by this sensitive societal issue."
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