[Ireland] Teachers’ domestic violence leave gains union backing

The support of a teachers’ union for leave for teachers in Ireland who experience domestic violence has earned praise from an advocate from the education sector, Donegal News reports.

Marina Carlin - a Donegal teacher and member of the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland (ASTI), Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the National Equality Committee of the union - spoke at a major conference on domestic violence leave for registered teachers and welcomed the union support.

Earlier this month, Ms Carlin addressed delegates in Wexford on ‘Domestic Violence leave for Registered teachers’ at ASTI's annual Easter convention.

She reportedly cited the national statistics that 25 per cent of women and six per cent of men experiencing domestic violence, adding that the male statistics were said to be under-reported as studies show men find it more difficult to report abuse.

“These statistics are harrowing and given the number at convention it is entirely conceivable that teachers here have experienced it themselves or know victims in their own schools.

“This statutory leave is a crucial development and a very welcome step. It means that it has been officially recognised by the Department of Education that domestic violence is happening to teachers,” she said.

Ms Carlin reportedly said the Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act (2023) allows for up to five days of paid domestic violence leave over a 12-month period which can be used by a victim or a teacher supporting a colleague or relevant person.

This statutory leave can be used to access help from An Garda Siochana, find alternative accommodation, get a court order, seek medical attention or pursue support from counselling or other services.

Ms Carlin underscored the need for the utmost confidentiality in processing this leave, she highlighted a clause in the Act which directs that all information and records about the leave be stored safely and securely.

“Research has shown that leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence and that disclosures of violence can lead to the risk of even more escalated retribution by the abuser. It is also important to note that domestic violence is extremely complex and research also indicates that survivors of abuse can return to their abusive partners on average of up to seven times before they leave for good, for a myriad of reasons including fear of what the perpetrator will do, shame, intimidation, low self-esteem, disability and lack of resources,” she said.

In addition, Ms Carlin emphasised that workplaces are often the only safe spaces for victims as the one place where an abuser has no power to isolate or alienate them. For this reason, people in a position to support a survivor can play a crucial role in empowering victims to stay safe or leave for good as empowering victims of domestic violence is essential on the road to recovery.

From November 2023, statutory leave has been in effect requiring employers to offer paid leave to workers who experience domestic violence. It also allows colleagues to support victims.

Ireland is reportedly one of the first countries in the EU to introduce such leave.

Source: Donegal News

(Quotes via original reporting)

The support of a teachers’ union for leave for teachers in Ireland who experience domestic violence has earned praise from an advocate from the education sector, Donegal News reports.

Marina Carlin - a Donegal teacher and member of the Association of Secondary School Teachers in Ireland (ASTI), Central Executive Committee (CEC) and the National Equality Committee of the union - spoke at a major conference on domestic violence leave for registered teachers and welcomed the union support.

Earlier this month, Ms Carlin addressed delegates in Wexford on ‘Domestic Violence leave for Registered teachers’ at ASTI's annual Easter convention.

She reportedly cited the national statistics that 25 per cent of women and six per cent of men experiencing domestic violence, adding that the male statistics were said to be under-reported as studies show men find it more difficult to report abuse.

“These statistics are harrowing and given the number at convention it is entirely conceivable that teachers here have experienced it themselves or know victims in their own schools.

“This statutory leave is a crucial development and a very welcome step. It means that it has been officially recognised by the Department of Education that domestic violence is happening to teachers,” she said.

Ms Carlin reportedly said the Work-Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act (2023) allows for up to five days of paid domestic violence leave over a 12-month period which can be used by a victim or a teacher supporting a colleague or relevant person.

This statutory leave can be used to access help from An Garda Siochana, find alternative accommodation, get a court order, seek medical attention or pursue support from counselling or other services.

Ms Carlin underscored the need for the utmost confidentiality in processing this leave, she highlighted a clause in the Act which directs that all information and records about the leave be stored safely and securely.

“Research has shown that leaving an abuser is the most dangerous time for victims of domestic violence and that disclosures of violence can lead to the risk of even more escalated retribution by the abuser. It is also important to note that domestic violence is extremely complex and research also indicates that survivors of abuse can return to their abusive partners on average of up to seven times before they leave for good, for a myriad of reasons including fear of what the perpetrator will do, shame, intimidation, low self-esteem, disability and lack of resources,” she said.

In addition, Ms Carlin emphasised that workplaces are often the only safe spaces for victims as the one place where an abuser has no power to isolate or alienate them. For this reason, people in a position to support a survivor can play a crucial role in empowering victims to stay safe or leave for good as empowering victims of domestic violence is essential on the road to recovery.

From November 2023, statutory leave has been in effect requiring employers to offer paid leave to workers who experience domestic violence. It also allows colleagues to support victims.

Ireland is reportedly one of the first countries in the EU to introduce such leave.

Source: Donegal News

(Quotes via original reporting)