'These provide the time, flexibility and economic security for victims to get the support they choose'
Yukon is looking to amend its Employment Standards Act to provide access to paid and unpaid leave for victims of domestic or sexualized violence.
The leave would be available to victims of domestic violence perpetrated by intimate partners or family members and to victims of sexualized violence. It would also apply to employees if their child or a person they care for is a victim of domestic or sexualized violence.
“Domestic and sexualized violence is a tragic reality that we know is under-reported and can be experienced by anyone. These leave provisions provide the time, flexibility and economic security for victims to get the support they choose,” says John Streicker, minister of community services. “Safe and supported employees make for healthier workplaces in our communities.”
Rates of domestic violence in Yukon are three times the national average while rates of sexualized violence are also higher than the national average, says the government.
All ten provinces and the Northwest Territories have enacted some version of leave for domestic violence. Yukon would join the six jurisdictions that also provide leave for sexualized violence.
Earlier this month, British Columbia started tabling a bill amending its employment standards to provide up to five days of paid leave for victims of domestic and sexual harassment. In November, Manitoba introduced amendments to its employment standards to broaden the domestic violence leave to include victims of interpersonal violence, such as sexual violence and stalking.
