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SNP latest to back paid leave for domestic abuse victims

VICTIMS of domestic abuse should be given additional paid leave from work, the Scottish National Party affirmed today.

The party endorsed a motion saying that an entitlement on top of sick pay and holiday “would assist victims to leave their partners, find new homes and help protect themselves and any dependent children.”

Such a policy has already been introduced in New Zealand, and was announced as Labour policy at that party’s women’s conference last month.

The SNP said the Scottish Parliament could not itself legislate for such a change. But SNP MSP Gillian Martin said employment powers should be devolved if the British government does not introduce extra leave.

“Domestic abuse can have a horrific and long-lasting impact on victims and their children, and it is important we do all we can to end it,” Ms Martin said.

“The Scottish government has taken steps to strengthen the protections for victims, but we should always look to international best practice to see where we can do more.

“The introduction in New Zealand of paid leave for victims is a radical approach to helping victims get to safety – and we want to take the same approach in Scotland.”

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