Domestic Violence, Intimate Partner or Sexual Violence Leave

Effective November 1, 2019, this leave provides up to three days of paid leave and an additional seven days of unpaid leave, in a twelve-month period, for employees to address the consequences of domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence. An employee can use this leave intermittently (on an as-needed basis) or all at once.

Who can take the leave?

This leave is available to employees who are covered by the Prince Edward Island Employment Standards Act. 

An employee needs three months of continuous employment with an employer to be eligible for this leave.

An employee who is the victim of domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence can use the leave for one or more specified purposes.

An employee can also use the leave to accompany a minor child, or individual for whom they are a primary caregiver, for one or more of the specified purposes.

For what purposes can employees use the leave?

The employee can use the leave for one or more of the following purposes:

• to seek medical attention for a victim with respect to a physical or psychological injury or disability caused by domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence
• to obtain services from a victim services organization
• to obtain psychological or other professional counselling for a matter related to or arising from domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence
• to relocate temporarily or permanently for a reason related to or arising from domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence
• to seek legal or law enforcement assistance, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or resulting from the domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence
• to comply with child protection interventions and participate in child protection case planning or related activities
• for any other purpose related to or resulting from the domestic violence, intimate partner violence or sexual violence, that requires the attendance of the employee during the employee's regularly scheduled workday.

How does an employee use the leave?

The employee must tell their employer of their intention to use the leave. The employee must tell their employer the date the leave will start and for how long they will be absent.

An employer can request written evidence respecting the employee’s need for the leave. The employee must cooperate in obtaining the written evidence.

More information for employers

More information for employees

More information for victim service providers

Who can I contact for more information?

Hazel Walsh-Scott (Office Coordinator)
Sherwood Business Centre
161 St. Peters Road, 2nd Floor 
PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE  C1A 7N8
Phone: 902-368-5550
Toll Free: 1-800-333-4362
Fax: 902-368-5476
Email: hawalshscott@gov.pe.ca