Safe leave helps survivors take paid time off to seek protections, treatment, and safer housing
Salem, Ore. — During October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Paid Leave Oregon is highlighting safe leave, which provides eligible workers paid time off to protect themselves or their children from domestic violence and other forms of harm.
“Domestic violence can include financial restrictions, isolation and threats that prevent someone from seeking help,” said Andrew R. Stolfi, director of the Oregon Employment Department. “By providing income while workers take time away from a job, safe leave gives survivors more freedom to make decisions about their and their children’s safety.”
Safe leave covers domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, stalking and bias crimes. Parents may also qualify when their minor or qualifying adult dependent children experience these forms of harm. Workers can use leave to seek medical care, meet with an attorney, access victim services or arrange safer housing.
From July 2024 through June 2026, Paid Leave Oregon approved 2,195 safe leave applications and paid more than $11 million in benefits. Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of leave in a benefit year, replacing up to 100% of wages depending on earnings. Leave can be taken intermittently or for an extended period.
“Not everyone experiencing abuse has a police report, or a safe way to obtain one. Someone may need to relocate or seek help with little advance notice,” said Juan Serratos, director of Paid Leave Oregon. “Survivors should be able to make their own decisions about their safety without unnecessary barriers. That’s why the program offers flexible documentation options, protects sensitive information and accommodates unexpected leave.”
Workers do not need a police report to qualify. Documentation may come from an attorney, health care professional, counselor or victim services provider. In some circumstances, workers may instead submit a brief written statement.
Paid Leave Oregon does not proactively identify safe leave applications to employers or disclose details of abuse. Employers may separately require workers to identify their leave type when giving notice; information they collect is subject to confidentiality protections. When leave is unexpected, workers generally must notify their employer within 24 hours and provide written notice within three days.
Workers can apply through Frances Online or by paper application. Those employed by the same employer for at least 90 consecutive days generally qualify for job protection.
Learn more: Visit paidleave.oregon.gov/employees/applying-for-safe-leave.html or call 833-854-0166. Community-based support is available through the Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
About Paid Leave Oregon
Paid Leave Oregon provides temporary, paid time away from work so employees can have financial security when experiencing significant life events. Covered events include welcoming a new child, recovering from a serious health condition, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or addressing issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Paid leave benefits help Oregonians stay connected to their jobs and maintain financial stability during these major personal events. Learn more at paidleave.oregon.gov.