Paid leave for employees impacted by domestic violence comes into effect today.
Victims are entitled to take five days of paid leave every year, without having to provide evidence.
It makes Ireland one of the first countries in Europe to introduce the measure.
Anne Clarke, Manager of Offaly Domestic Violence Support Service, says the leave will give victims the opportunity to access supports without having to worry about missing work or pay:
"If somebody is experiencing domestic abuse and they need to take a day off, maybe to seek medical assistance, to obtain support from a DV support service, or what we find a lot is having to attend court to apply for a DV Safety Order, a Protection Order or Baring Order, or even just to go down and make a statement to the Gardaí".
