Domestic and sexualized violence leave
Domestic and sexual violence leave can be taken all at once, as single days or in groups of days. The leave provides:
- 5 days of paid leave; and
- 5 days of unpaid leave.
If needed, a longer-term of up to 15 unpaid weeks can be taken. This leave may be taken non-consecutively or not all at once with the employer’s consent.
When does an employee qualify for this leave?
After 90 days of employment
- Paid short-term leave
- Unpaid long-term leave
Immediately upon employment
Unpaid short-term leave
What proof is required?
No proof is required to take this leave. An employer can require that a notice form be used to request the leave.
The Act allows employees to access paid and unpaid leave under these situations if they're a:
- victim of domestic or sexualized violence targeted at the victim because of their sexuality or gender;
- person who experiences violence by supporting a child, family member, intimate partner;
- a close friend who is the victim or domestic or sexualized violence; and
- victim of domestic violence, that includes violence by a family member or intimate partner.
Resources for employers
- Download an example of a notice form that a business can use for their employees to ask for domestic and sexualized violence leave.
For more information
- Read the fact sheet about domestic and sexualized violence leave under the Employment Standards Act.
- Read the fact sheet about domestic violence and residential tenancies under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
- Read the "Did you know?" infographic to learn domestic and sexualized violence leave and paid or unpaid time off.
- Visit the Women and Gender Equity Directorate for more resources.
Contact
For more information contact the Employment Standards Office. Email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5944. If you're a victim of domestic or sexualized violence, find supports for you.