Domestic Abuse Bill highlighted

A briefing released by the UNISON public services union last month highlighted the even more urgent need for the second reading of the Domestic Abuse Bill now that social distancing measures have put victims of domestic abuse at increased risk.

On 6 April 2020, two weeks into the government lockdown, the charity Refuge reported that the National Domestic Abuse helpline had seen a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since social distancing restrictions were introduced.

The Bill originally failed to get passed in 2019 due to the dissolution of Parliament. It was finally reintroduced in March 2020. Now, ahead of the second reading, UNISON wants to see an amendment to the Bill to provide for paid leave for those experiencing domestic abuse.

This approach has been encouraged by the Welsh government and the Workforce Partnership Council — the tripartite body of unions, employers and the Welsh government — who have urged public sector organisations to “make an explicit commitment in their special leave or domestic abuse policies to provide paid leave for staff experiencing domestic abuse”.

UNISON states in its briefing that leave should be put on a statutory footing and that the government has a responsibility to ensure that victims of domestic abuse are given the time and space to address impacts of domestic abuse without having to worry about being able to pay their bills.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/27/domestic-abuse-surge-coronavirus-lockdown-lasting-impact-mps