CONNECTICUT LAWS, INCLUDING PAID LEAVE, PROVIDE NECESSARY SUPPORTS FOR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
Connecticut’s Family Violence Leave Act allows victims of family violence up to 12 days of job-protected leave and income replacement benefits
Hartford CT — The Connecticut Paid Leave Authority (CTPL) today reminded residents that covered workers who meet eligibility requirements may receive up to 12 days of CT Paid Leave benefits if they are a victim of family violence to address certain issues arising from the family violence, including receiving medical or psychological care, seeking services from a victim services organization, relocating, or attending court proceedings. Additionally, eligible workers can utilize CT Paid Leave benefits to care for their children (of any age) who are experiencing a serious health condition, including mental or physical illnesses or injuries resulting from family violence.
A new protection is provided by an update to Connecticut’s paid sick days law, Public Act 23–01which effective October 1, 2023, allows eligible service workers to use 40 hours of accrued paid sick time to care for a child who is the victim of family violence or sexual assault and assist their child to seek medical care or counseling, obtain services from a victim services organization, relocate, or participate in any civil or criminal proceedings. Previously, the law allowed service workers to use paid sick days if they personally were the victim of family violence or sexual assault. While the sick days law is separate from Connecticut Paid Leave, it is an important resource for parents and guardians who are providing care and comfort to children who have suffered from family violence.
“The change to Connecticut’s paid sick days law is important to ensure that everyone has equitable access to support regardless of the industry in which they work. We know that domestic violence is a public health crisis. Connecticut Paid Leave continues to be an important resource for survivors who need time to heal from the many serious physical and mental health conditions that can result from domestic violence,” said Meghan Scanlon, CEO, CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
“The CT Paid Leave Act and the paid sick days statutes continue to work in tandem to provide needed benefits for those struggling with family violence so they can get the support and care they need” said CT Paid Leave CEO Erin Choquette.
P.A. 23–01 does not change who is covered under Connecticut’s existing paid sick days law. Existing law provides up to 40 hours of accrued paid sick time to certain service workers at employers of 50 or more. To hear from survivors of family violence and how they’ve used paid leave to access services they need, listen to the following podcasts:
- A Survivor’s Story of Domestic Violence (ft. Meghan Scanlon and DV survivor, Jenna)
- Surviving Domestic Violence and Learning to FLYY (ft. Sista Anyango, founder of FLYY)
Family violence is widespread but there is help available. If you or someone you know needs help or just someone to talk to, please visit www.ctcadv.org or www.ctsafeconnect.com or call or text (888) 774–2900.
To apply for paid leave online, workers will first need to create an account with CT Paid Leave by visiting www.ctpaidleave.org. The applicant can then submit their claim online. Assistance is also available by calling (877) 499–8606. Hours of operation for a live representative are 8 AM to 8 PM ET, Monday through Friday.
