Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) provides an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or who has a family or household member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, with up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per any 12-month period to address issues arising from domestic or sexual violence.
An employee may take VESSA leave to:
- Seek medical attention for, or recovery from, physical or psychological injuries caused by domestic or sexual violence to the employee or employee's family or household member;
- Obtain victim services for the employee or employee's family or household member;
- Obtain psychological or other counseling for the employee or the employee's family or household member;
- Participate in safety planning, including temporary or permanent relocation or other actions to increase the safety of the victim from future domestic or sexual violence; or
- Seek legal assistance to ensure the health and safety of the victim, including participating in court proceedings related to the violence.
VESSA leave may be taken intermittently or on a reduced work schedule.
An employee shall provide at least 48 hours' advance notice of the employee's intention to take leave, except in such cases where it is not practicable to provide such notice.
Medical certification is not required for VESSA leave. However, employees may be eligible for concurrent FMLA leave if they or their household members experience a serious health condition as a result of violence.
For more information, including how to request and submit any required documentation for a VESSA leave, contact the Benefits team online or call (312) 362-8232.