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Greg Evans
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On Thursday it was confirmed that New Zealand will be the first country in the world to offer paid leave for victims of domestic violence.
The landmark legislation was passed by 63 votes to 57 in New Zealand's parliament after seven years of work by Green MP Jan Logie.
Victims of domestic violence in New Zealand will now be allowed to take 10 days paid leave to escape their abusive partner.
The law will protect all domestic violence victims from being dismissed from their jobs or having their positions downgraded.
We welcome the final reading of the Domestic Violence Victims Protection Bill which will come into force early next… https://t.co/1AYo6GLmAS— NZ Human Rights Commission (@NZ Human Rights Commission) 1532562974
Logie, who had worked in women's refuge for domestic violence survivors prior to becoming an MP hailed the passing of the bill.
Mashable quotes her as saying:
All too often, victims have to leave their jobs because of this, and it makes them more reliant on their abusive partner and means their employer has to recruit and train up new staff.
It's a lose-lose situation.
Today, we will become the first country in the world to provide these protections as universal entitlements.
Today we stand for a future free of domestic violence.
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the world with around 105,000 reports of family violence being recorded a year.
Yet, it is believed that 80 per cent of incidents can go unreported.
Reaction to this historic bill in New Zealand and around the world has been greeted with positivity and marks a significant moment in the fight against domestic violence.
Now that's what I mean by a 'whole society response' to protecting victims of DA. What an awesome idea NZ.… https://t.co/Qvedqtab4W— Victims' Commissioner for England & Wales (@Victims' Commissioner for England & Wales) 1532595150
People are now hoping that other countries can follow New Zealand's example.
Meanwhile in the UK.... The @DWP will only help victims of domestic abuse once per 12 months and only after docume… https://t.co/BY0nP7Kyzs— Alex Tiffin (@Alex Tiffin) 1532592758
New Zealand based domestic violence charity The Aunties shared a thread on Twitter which highlighted just how important the passing of this bill is.
So then, being able to keep their job, and to get paid leave, is going to make a massive difference to so many peop… https://t.co/64rOzAtGl6— The Aunties (@The Aunties) 1532508696
Many thanks have been personally extended to Jan Logie and her tireless work on the legislation.
Tremendous work by @janlogie of @NZGreens - we should have this in the UK, and everywhere! #VAW #VAWG… https://t.co/g7NJcI3hGw— Natalie Bennett (@Natalie Bennett) 1532593350
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or suspect someone might be, call the free phone24-hour National Domestic Violence helpline on 0800 2000 247
If you're LGBT+, Galop have a free National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline and online chat - 0800 999 5428
HT Mashable
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