Four Irish universities, including Trinity, are to introduce domestic leave policies for staff experiencing abuse at home.
The PA news agency has reported that Trinity, University College Cork, University College Dublin and Dublin City University have committed to introducing policies similar to that launched by NUI Galway last year.
NUI Galway staff members experiencing domestic violence or abuse can be granted 10 working days of paid leave to seek the necessary assistance and support.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris has welcomed the new policies but said he was disappointed that they have not been universally implemented in the higher-education sector.
Harris told PA: “Support for victims who are working, in the form of paid leave, could be crucial in ensuring that they retain their employment and have the economic capacity to escape an abusive relationship.”
“The introduction of the domestic violence leave policy marks a critical step forward in ensuring that higher education institutions are safe and supportive workplaces”, he said. “I really want to commend NUI Galway for starting this important conversation across third level and I am pleased to see others following.”
“There has not been universal acceptance across the sector, which is disappointing but we will continue to work on this and build on the progress.”
Harris wrote to every college in the country in June, urging them to follow suit.
In the letter, seen by the PA news agency, he wrote: “The purpose of the policy is to provide for a period of paid time away from work for staff members who have suffered or are suffering from domestic violence or abuse.”
“This leave will enable the staff member to take the time they need to seek assistance in a structured and supported environment.”
“Our institutions have a duty of care to their staff and this policy builds on, and complements, the work that is ongoing across our higher education system to tackle sexual violence and harassment, and to foster institutional campus cultures that are safe, respectful and supportive.”
“Domestic violence does not just have a major impact on the person and their family. It can also have a significant impact on the person’s working life, and their wellbeing.”
