Interpersonal Violence Leave
(Domestic Violence, Stalking, Sexual Violence)
In Manitoba, if you are a worker and you (or a dependent) are the victim of interpersonal violence, you have the right to take leave from work (including up to five days with pay) in order to get help.
violence leave.
What is Interpersonal Violence Leave?
Recent changes to Manitoba’s Employment Standards Code ensure any worker who is the victim of interpersonal violence – including domestic violence, stalking, or sexual violence – has the right to access employment leave. This employment leave gives job protection to a worker to take time off from work to address needs that arise from interpersonal violence. A worker must have been employed by the same employer for at least 90 days to qualify. Employers are required to maintain confidentiality with respect to all matters related to accessing interpersonal violence leave.
For What Purposes Can Interpersonal Violence Leave Be Used?
Interpersonal violence leave can be used for one or more of the following purposes related to a worker (or a worker’s dependent):
- to seek medical attention in respect of a physical or psychological injury or disability;
- to obtain services from a victim services organization;
- to obtain psychological or other professional counselling;
- to relocate temporarily or permanently; or
- to seek legal or law enforcement assistance, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or resulting from the interpersonal violence.
How Long is Interpersonal Violence Leave?
A worker in Manitoba is entitled to up to 10 days of interpersonal violence leave all at once or needed. This includes up to five days with pay from a worker’s employer (additional days beyond five would be unpaid). If a worker needs more time, they can take a further leave of up to 17 weeks (unpaid) in one continuous period.
A worker must give the employer as much notice as is reasonable in the circumstances. Employers may also require verification when leave is used.
Where Can I Get More Information?
The MFL recommends that people considering access interpersonal violence leave review the Manitoba Employment Standards Fact Sheet.
Help spread the word so workers know their rights, and victims can access the help they need.
Please download and print off these posters to display in your workplace, union hall, or office:
The MFL is deeply appreciative of the determined efforts and lobbying campaign of the MFL Women’s Committee, and the ground-breaking research undertaken by the Canadian Labour Congress, which helped to establish Manitoba as the first jurisdiction in Canada to win paid domestic violence leave (later expanded to include other forms of interpersonal violence).
For more information, you can contact the Manitoba Employment Standards
Phone: 204-945-3352
1-800-821-4307 (Toll free)
*Regulations may be developed in the future to specify what type of verification is required, but so far, no rules have been developed in this regard.