Summary
The Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) allows eligible employees unpaid leave to address the domestic or sexual violence by seeking medical attention or counseling for injuries or psychological trauma, to obtain victim services, to relocate, to seek legal assistance, or to participate in a related court proceeding.
Body
| Department: Human Resources |
| Effective Date: 6/1/2012 |
| Revised Date: 3/19/2019 |
| Cabinet Approval Date: 4/29/2019 |
| Next Review Date: 4/28/2020 |
| Policy: Employee Handbook |
| Responsible Cabinet Member: Associate Vice President, Human Resources |
| Approved By: Sheila Quirk-Bailey |
Operational Standard/Purpose
The Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) allows eligible employees unpaid leave to address the domestic or sexual violence by seeking medical attention or counseling for injuries or psychological trauma, to obtain victim services, to relocate, to seek legal assistance, or to participate in a related court proceeding.
Under VESSA, the eligible employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence or who seeks to address this type of victimization will not be discharged or otherwise discriminated against.
Leave taken under this policy does not create a right for unpaid leave that exceeds the time allowed under, or in addition to the leave permitted by, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
Scope/Applicability
Refer to the Employee Handbook for additional information.
Procedures
- Employees must provide their supervisor with at least 48 hours’ advance notice of the intention to take the leave, unless providing such notice is not practicable. Supervisors may require that the employee provide certification of such services.
- Employee must complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, include the specified period of leave, and include supporting documentation (e.g., restraining order, court order, police report, etc.), if such documentation is available. In emergency situations, documentation may be provided at a later date.
Additional Provisions/Information
Illinois Central College reserves the right to restrict leave or the duration of leave if the absence would be detrimental to the College or department.