Bill Overview
Title: Safe Leave for Victims of Domestic Violence Act
Description: This bill provides family and medical leave for employees to meet their needs related to being a victim of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, or stalking. This includes to obtain medical care and mental health services, seek safe housing, and prepare for legal proceedings.
Sponsors: Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5]
Target Audience
Population: Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related abuses
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill targets victims of interpersonal violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sex trafficking, and stalking.
- According to the World Health Organization, approximately 30% of women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence.
- Data from the United Nations suggests that 1 in 3 women experience some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
- While statistics tend to focus on women, victims can include men and non-binary individuals as well.
- There are approximately 8 billion people globally, so the potential pool of victims worldwide could be in the hundreds of millions, considering different forms of violence.
Reasoning
- The policy targets a large potential group of victims of interpersonal violence, but not everyone in this group may be participating in the workforce, which limits eligibility for leave benefits.
- The budget must cover a significant number of people across the US, with the costs associated not just with unpaid leave but associated legal, housing, counseling, and medical support required by victims.
- The policy's impact will differ based on individual circumstances, occupation, and existing access to violence support services.
Simulated Interviews
Nurse (Austin, Texas)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having access to safe leave means I can take time to sort out my living situation and look after my mental health without losing my job.
- This policy feels like a lifeline. It gives me breathing room to handle ongoing legal issues related to my situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retail Manager (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act might help ensure safety while dealing with law enforcement and legal proceedings.
- Being able to leave work to prioritize personal safety is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, California)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being able to take leave without worrying about job security for therapy is essential for recovery.
- I appreciate the focus on mental health services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (Atlanta, Georgia)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Leave will provide me time to focus on legal procedures without impacting my students.
- I'm thankful the law considers these issues important enough to ensure work leave.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Barista (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that having these protections will allow me to take steps to leave safely.
- Awareness of such laws can even encourage victims to come forward.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Warehouse Supervisor (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Even though I am not currently affected, it is comforting to know support is available if needed again.
- It's less likely to directly impact me now, but it's good protection for those still at risk.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Marketing Specialist (New York City, New York)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- My workplace already supports these types of leave, but it's great to see it nationwide.
- I feel secure knowing the legal backing is more robust.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Stay-at-home parent (Miami, Florida)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although I don't work, the policy adds a layer of security if I start a job.
- It acknowledges the importance of prioritizing personal safety over employment concerns.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Student (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It lifts a burden knowing I wouldn't need to choose between work and seeking help.
- Focus should also be given to educational instutions applying similar support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Freelancer (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 2
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although this policy doesn't directly help me since I'm freelancing, it’s critical for those who are employed.
- The societal acknowledgment of issues like trafficking is significant for survivors.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Year 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3000000000 (Low: $2000000000, High: $4000000000)
Year 2: $3150000000 (Low: $2100000000, High: $4200000000)
Year 3: $3307500000 (Low: $2205000000, High: $4410000000)
Year 5: $3640875000 (Low: $2437500000, High: $4860000000)
Year 10: $4486593750 (Low: $2990625000, High: $5962500000)
Year 100: $116706695300 (Low: $77833500000, High: $155667000000)
Key Considerations
- Prevalence and impact of domestic and interpersonal violence on the workforce.
- Importance of supportive workplace policies in enhancing safety and economic participation.
- Potential efficiencies gained in healthcare and legal systems due to early action and intervention.