Domestic Violence Absence

Overview

Under Florida Statute 741.313, University employees are entitled to up to 3 days of leave within a twelve-month period if the employee or a family or household member is a victim of domestic violence. The twelve-month period will be from July 1 to June 30.

Activities Covered

An employer must provide leave for the following specific activities:

Seeking an injunction for protection against domestic violence or repeat violence, dating violence, or sexual violence;
Obtaining medical care or mental health counseling or both for the employee or a family or household member to address injuries resulting from domestic violence;
Obtaining services from victims services organizations such as a domestic violence shelter or rape crisis center;
Making the employee’s home secure from the perpetrator of domestic violence or finding a new home to escape the perpetrator;
Seeking legal assistance to address issues arising from domestic violence or attending or preparing for court-related proceedings arising from the act of domestic violence.

Notify Your Employer

Employees seeking leave under this section must provide their employer with advanced notice, except in cases of imminent danger to their health or safety or that of a family or household member.

Use of Leave

Employees are required to use accrued leave for domestic violence situations. If an employee does not have sufficient leave hours to cover the event, the remaining leave will be unpaid.

Employer Responsibilities

All information regarding domestic violence leave is confidential and exempt from disclosure. Employees should provide this information to Central Leave. Any related documentation will be maintained in the Human Resources Department, separate from the employee’s official personnel file.

Non-Discrimination

Under no circumstances can the employer take any disciplinary action against the employee related to the use of domestic violence leave.