Employers Must Provide Information on Rights of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Victims

Lozano Smith Client News Brief
July 2017
Number 39

California employers with 25 or more employees must now inform their employees in writing about the legal rights of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking victims. Employers, including public agencies, must provide this information using the form prepared by the California Labor Commissioner or in a notice that is substantially similar to the Labor Commissioner's form in content and clarity. The form must be provided to new employees upon hire and to other employees upon request.

California law permits victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking to take time off from work to seek court intervention to help ensure the health, safety or welfare of themselves or their children. Victims may also take time off to seek medical attention, to obtain psychological counseling and other support services or to participate in safety planning.

Victims must give employers reasonable advance notice of their intention to take time off, unless providing advance notice is not feasible. If a victim takes an unscheduled absence, his or her employer must not take any action if the victim, within a reasonable time, provides proof that the absence was covered under the law. Victims may also request reasonable safety accommodations at work, which employers must provide. Employers may not retaliate or discriminate against a victim for taking time off or requesting reasonable accommodations.

Assembly Bill (AB) 2337, which became effective January 1, 2017, introduced a new requirement that employers with 25 or more employees inform employees of these rights. Employers were excused from compliance with this requirement until the Labor Commissioner prepared an information form and posted it on its website. The Labor Commissioner recently published the form, entitled "Rights of Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking," which is available here (English) and here(Spanish).

Violations of the laws governing victims' leave and accommodations can result in civil liability and, in some cases, criminal liability. If you have any questions regarding victims' leave and accommodations or other employment-related matters, please contact the authors of this Client News Brief or an attorney at one of our nine offices located statewide. You can also visit our website, follow us on Facebook or Twitter or download our Client News Brief App.
 
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As the information contained herein is necessarily general, its application to a particular set of facts and circumstances may vary. For this reason, this News Brief does not constitute legal advice. We recommend that you consult with your counsel prior to acting on the information contained herein.