Two years on: The impact of paid domestic and family violence leave in Australia

This week marks two years since the introduction of paid domestic and family violence leave—a critical reform ensuring that up to 12.4 million workers, including casuals, have access to 10 days of paid leave each year.

For victim-survivors, this leave can mean the difference between safety and financial insecurity. It provides the time and security needed to access support, secure alternative housing, attend court, or take other steps to escape violence—without jeopardising their income or employment.

But introducing leave provisions is only the first step. Workplace culture, leadership, and additional supports—such as flexible work arrangements and safety planning—are essential to ensuring these policies are meaningful in practice.

At the time of the reform, my colleagues and I explored these issues in The Journal of Criminology, drawing on a national study with over 300 victim-survivors. Our research highlights what is needed to embed these provisions effectively across Australian workplaces.

Read our findings here: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/26338076221148203

As we mark this two-year milestone, it’s critical to ask: How are workplaces ensuring that these leave provisions are accessible, stigma-free, and part of a broader culture of support?