Gloucestershire charities welcome safe leave bill introduced by Gloucester MP
Alex McIntyre introduced the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill to parliament yesterday.
A safe leave bill for domestic abuse victims and survivors was introduced to the House of Commons by Gloucester MP Alex McIntyre yesterday.
People experiencing domestic abuse would be allowed several days of "safe leave" to assist them in addressing issues related to the abuse, including finding a place of safety, dealing with health issues and attending police interviews.
During the first reading in parliament Mr McIntyre stated ‘‘Victims of abuse should never have to choose between their safety or their wages.”
MPs allowed Mr McIntyre to introduce his Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Bill to the House of Commons on Tuesday for further consideration.
Mr McIntyre, the MP for Gloucester, said: "The demands on survivors' time are overwhelming. Many are forced to take holiday to give evidence against their abusers in court.
"Many take time off sick only to fall foul of their employers for having too much sickness absence. Some take the impossible decision that they simply can't afford to leave and remain in unsafe situations, continuing the cycle of violence.
"Two weeks' paid safe leave would give victims and survivors the time they need to seek help, to find the resources they need to escape their abuser and to start the long process of healing.
"Let me be clear: victims of abuse should never have to choose between their safety or their wages."
Mr McIntyre added: "Safe leave would save lives.
"Safe leave would start conversations in workplaces in my city of Gloucester that will help survivors and victims of domestic abuse get to safety, get the support they need and get back on their feet.
"Imagine living in a society where victims and survivors of domestic abuse feel safe and empowered to seek support at work."
McIntyre met with organisations in his Gloucester constituency to understand the scale of domestic violence in the area, the work being done to support survivors and what else they would like to see.
Charites that worked with McIntrye on developing the bill and giving perspective of victims included the Hollie Gazzard Trust and Fear Free.
Nick Gazzard, the founder of the Hollie Gazzard Trust, set up the charity in memory of his daughter Hollie who was killed at her workplace as a result of domestic abuse.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio Gloucestershire about why he is backing the bill he said:
“Hollie herself she was killed doing the job she loved in the salon where she worked, we’ve got to be mindful that 33% of domestic homicides occur on work premises so it is an important area.”
The bill would help prevent people from using annual leave or sick days but to also help stop people from staying in dangerous situations because of the fear of implications taking time off work would have on their job.
Debbie Beadle, the CEO of Fear Free said: “Its really important that of course as a society but particularly in workplaces that we are understanding the extra pressures”.