A new online support hub has been launched for employers ahead of the introduction of statutory domestic violence leave.
From next Monday, new rules come into force which will require employers to offer paid leave to workers who are subjected to domestic violence.
The Work-Life Balance Act provides for up to five days domestic violence leave over a period of 12 months.
A new website www.DVatWork.ie provides free resources to support employers to implement the new leave entitlements.
It has been developed by Women's Aid and funded by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
The online support hub includes a policy template with guidance notes, information sessions and an email support service.
Research shows that more than one in three working people surveyed across multiple industries and at varying levels of seniority have experienced domestic abuse.
Ireland will become one of the first EU countries to introduce this type of leave.
"To reassure employers, addressing domestic violence as a workplace issue is not about taking on the role of a counsellor or support worker," said Women's Aid CEO Sarah Benson,
"Rather, it is about creating a safe, supportive environment for victim-survivors to disclose what they are experiencing by reducing the stigma surrounding the issue and offering targeted support."
"There are simple ways employers can do this through training, awareness-raising, and policy development and integration," Ms Benson said.
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman said domestic violence leave should be embedded within a robust workplace response, and all employees must feel comfortable accessing it.
"My Department has worked with Women’s Aid to develop supports for employers in implementing the leave and in creating a workplace which is a safe space for employees who are or have been victims of domestic violence," Mr O'Gorman said.
"It is hoped that these supports will make a meaningful difference to those experiencing domestic violence," he added.
Women's Aid said it has already worked with a number of employers who are looking for support in introducing domestic abuse policies and training, prior to it becoming a requirement.
"Encouragingly, women are also increasingly reporting to our frontline services that they are no longer suffering the loneliness, pressure, and anxiety of trying to maintain their work in the face of their partners coercion and control, because an informed employer now supports them," Ms Benson said.
