Use it for anything the abuse makes urgent: a doctor, a solicitor, the Gardaí, counselling, a court order or finding somewhere safe to live. You can also take it to support a partner, a child under 18 or another dependant who is being abused.
Quick facts
- Days
- 5 in any 12 months
- Pay
- Your full normal rate
- Service needed
- None
- Proof
- Not normally required
- Part-time
- Pro rata (e.g. 2.5 days at half-time)
- On your payslip
- Should not be mentioned
Who can take it
"You do not need to be working in your job for a certain amount of time to qualify." It covers abuse by a spouse or civil partner, a cohabitant, a current or former partner, or an adult child who is not financially dependent on you.
You can also take it to support someone else being abused: your partner, a child under 18, or another dependent person. The abuse can be happening now or have happened in the past.
What you can use it for
- Medical help or counselling
- A victim support service
- Moving somewhere safe, for a while or for good
- Getting a safety order from the courts
- A solicitor or other legal advice
- Help from the Gardaí
How it works
"You have a right to 5 days of domestic violence leave in any consecutive 12 months." It can be single days or several together. "An absence for part of a day is counted as one day."
"You do not have to give your employer notice to take the leave in emergency circumstances." Give notice when you can, and follow your workplace policy if there is one.
Pay and privacy
"Domestic violence leave is paid by your employer at your full rate of pay." If your pay varies, it is the average of the 13 weeks before the leave.
"You are not required to give your employer any supporting information or evidence when requesting domestic violence leave." "Your employer should not make any reference to domestic violence leave on your payslip."
Your job is protected
"You must not be dismissed for taking or asking to take domestic violence leave." It does not break your service and it counts for annual leave and public holidays.
If your employer refuses or penalises you, raise it with them first, then complain to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Help now
In immediate danger, ring 112 or 999. Women's Aid's 24-hour freephone helpline is 1800 341 900, and the Male Advice Line is 1800 816 588.
Common questions
How many days of domestic violence leave do I get in Ireland?
5 days in any consecutive 12 months, paid at your full rate. Part-time workers get it pro rata.
Is domestic violence leave paid?
Yes, by your employer, at your full normal rate of pay.
Do I need to prove domestic violence to get the leave?
No. You are not required to give your employer supporting information or evidence.
Can I take domestic violence leave in a new job?
Yes. There is no minimum length of service.
Will domestic violence leave show on my payslip?
It should not. Your employer should not refer to it on your payslip.
Can I take domestic violence leave to help my child?
Yes, if you are supporting a child under 18, a partner or another dependent person who is experiencing abuse.