New Jersey Gov, Chris Christie has signed the New Jersey Security and Financial Empowerment Act (NJ SAFE Act), which is intended to assist victims of domestic violence. The bill provides up to 20 days unpaid leave in any 12-month period for an employee who is a victim of a domestic violence incident or a sexually violent offense, or whose child, parent, spouse, domestic partner or civil union partner is a victim of such an incident or offense.
The purpose of such leave includes:
- seeking medical attention
- seeking legal assistance
- preparing for a criminal or civil court proceeding
- obtaining psychological or other counseling
The bill takes effect on Oct. 1, 2013, and includes a mandatory notification that needs to be posted conspicuosly. As soon as this notice is developed and released by the New Jersey Commission of Labor and Workforce Development, Personnel Concepts will provide it for all subscribers in the state.