Domestic violence leave comes into force

Changes to provide greater support for domestic violence victims come into force today.The Domestic Violence Victims' Protection Act enhances legal protections in the workplace for people affected by domestic or family violence.It gives victims the right to 10 days of leave and flexible working conditions.The Bill was introduced by Green MP Jan Logie, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Domestic and Sexual Violence, and was passed last July.Jan Logie told Kerre McIvor it is a practical measure to help victims stay in work."We have really good research telling us, a bit more than half of the domestic violence victims who start that relationship in a job, lose that job over the course of the relationship...and that keeps them trapped in a violent relationship."She said victims often struggle to get time off work to go to court to ensure their safety.Logie said this Bill also means victims are less likely to be financially reliant on a violent relationship.She also acknowledged this is just one part of helping solve New Zealand's domestic violence issue.DO YOU NEED HELP?If you're in danger now:• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours of friends to ring for you.• Run outside and head for where there are other people.• Scream for help so that your neighbours can hear you.• Take the children with you.• Don't stop to get anything else.• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.Where to go for help or more information:• Shine, free national helpline 9am-11pm every day - 0508 744 633.• Women's Refuge: Free national crisis line operates 24/7 - 0800 refuge or 0800 733 843.• Shakti: Providing specialist cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800 742 584 • It's Not Ok: Information line 0800 456 450.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.