In its decision, the Fair Work Commission noted that while men can, and do experience domestic violence, it still disproportionally affects women—and the pandemic has only worsened this problem.
"It is a gendered phenomenon... We have concluded that the merits strongly favour a paid FDV leave entitlement."
In its research, the Fair Work Commission found that one in 4 women over the age of 15 had experienced at least one incident of violence by an intimate partner—that's compared to one in 13 men who've experience the same.
As it stands, all employees (including those not covered by an award) are entitled to five days of unpaid family and domestic violence leave.
Labor is pushing to make that 10 days paid leave for everyone, and the Fair Work Commission's ruling is a huge step forward in reforming working policies to make that happen.
Jenny McAllister, Labor's spokesperson for prevention of family violence, said the party, as well as business groups, unions and victims survivors have been calling for this for a long time.
"Now the Fair Work Commission does too," she said via SMH, adding: "Scott Morrison is totally isolated on this issue. He needs to answer the question, 'why does he still oppose this important reform?'"
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