8 March 2017

A win for women

Unanimous support for Jan Logie’s bill to protect victims of domestic violence is a win for women on International Women’s Day, the Green Party said today.

Jan Logie’s bill, the Domestic Violence Victims' Protection Bill, will give victims 10 days' paid leave to help them move house, attend court hearings and consult with lawyers. The Bill was passed to Select Committee stage this evening.

“I am delighted that every MP at Parliament supported domestic violence victims today,” Green Party women’s spokesperson Jan Logie said.

“Offering paid domestic violence leave is the right thing to do. We all have a role in supporting those affected by domestic violence and this is how employers can show that support.

“The Government change of heart on supporting my Bill means that domestic violence victims will be able to keep their jobs and have a pathway to safety.

“Everybody deserves a safe workplace where they can get the support they need to escape a violent relationship.

“Half of New Zealand employers will have a staff member who’s affected by family violence. Work colleagues are often the only people who know about the abuse, and employers need to have some tangible guidance about what to do to help. This is a real opportunity to make a difference.

“Now that my Bill is going to Select Committee, we will be able to hear from New Zealanders who have been affected by domestic violence and how having workplace protections can really help,” Ms Logie said.

ends

© Scoop Media