If you are in danger now
- Call 999. If you cannot speak, call 999 from a mobile, listen to the operator, cough or tap the phone if you can, and press 55 when you are asked to. This tells the police it is a real emergency.
- Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414. Free, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for women and men.
- Men's Advice Line (for male victims): 0808 801 0327.
Who this guide is for
People working in Northern Ireland who are experiencing domestic abuse and need time off, changes to their work, or support from their employer.
What this guide does not cover
⚖ At a glance
- The Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 will give victims of domestic abuse paid safe leave. It is not in force yet: the regulations that bring it in have not been made.
- Until it starts, paid time off depends on your contract or your employer's policy, so check both and ask.
- A statutory flexible working request needs 26 weeks' service. The Great Britain right to ask from day one does not apply here.
- Employees have a right to time off for dependants.
The questions that decide the answer
- Are you in danger now? Yes: call 999 first.
- Where do you work? Northern Ireland: this guide. England, Wales or Scotland: the Great Britain guide.
- Are you an employee? Time off for dependants and a statutory flexible working request are employee rights. If you are not sure, use the employee rights checker.
- How long have you worked there? 26 weeks or more: you can make a statutory flexible working request. Less: you can still ask, but there is no statutory right.
- What does your contract or workplace policy say? It may give you domestic abuse leave, special leave or paid time off that the law does not yet give.
"Can I take paid safe leave?"
Not yet. The Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 requires the Department for the Economy to make regulations giving paid safe leave to employees who are victims of domestic abuse. It is not in force yet: the regulations that bring it in have not been made. On 8 July 2026 the Economy Minister said they will be made before the end of the current Assembly mandate.
When it starts, the Act says safe leave is for dealing with issues related to the abuse, including legal advice and legal proceedings, finding somewhere else to live, healthcare (including mental health care), welfare support and protecting family members. Check nidirect or ask the LRA whether it has started.
Until then, ask your employer: your contract or a workplace policy may give you paid or unpaid leave. You can also ask to use paid holiday.
"I need to change my hours or where I work"
With 26 weeks' service or more you can make a statutory flexible working request. Employees with less than 26 weeks' service do not have the statutory right, but can still ask. For how to ask and what to do if you are refused, use the flexible working checker.
"Something has happened to my child or someone who depends on me"
Employees have a right to time off for dependants in an emergency. It is not for your own appointments or your own court hearing. For how much time and whether it is paid, ask the LRA.
"I've been dismissed or treated badly"
Use the employee rights checker. Most tribunal claims have a strict time limit, and you must tell the LRA first.
Deadlines you must meet
- Most claims: 3 months less 1 day, including unfair dismissal and discrimination.
- Early conciliation: tell the LRA within your time limit.
- Your exact date depends on your facts: the tribunal deadline checker works it out.
Money figures
- This guide gives no money figures. Whether time off is paid depends on your contract or your employer's policy until safe leave starts.
Where to go for help
Police (PSNI): 999 in an emergency.
Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414, free, 24 hours. Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327.
Labour Relations Agency (LRA): 03300 555 300. Early conciliation, and free, confidential and impartial advice on employment rights.
If you are in a trade union, it can give you help, advice and support.
Advice NI: 0800 915 4604
Traps
- Safe leave is law on paper but not in force yet. Do not rely on it until the regulations start.
- The Great Britain right to ask for flexible working from day one does not apply here: you need 26 weeks' service.
- Time off for dependants is for an emergency involving a dependant, not for your own court hearing or appointments.
- Early conciliation in Northern Ireland is with the LRA, not Acas.
📜 Sources (checked 24 September 2026)
- legislation.gov.uk / NI Assembly: Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, section 1 (new Article 112EG of the Employment Rights (Northern Ireland) Order 1996).
- Department for the Economy: Archibald - Domestic abuse Safe Leave to be delivered within current mandate (8 July 2026); Consultation on Domestic Abuse Safe Leave (5 July to 27 September 2024).
- Reused from the employee rights and menopause guides for Northern Ireland (checked 24 September 2026): 26-week flexible working rule, time off for dependants, tribunal time limits and the LRA.
- nidirect: 24 hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline; GOV.UK: Domestic abuse: how to get help (Men's Advice Line); Department of Justice NI: Silent Solution.
- Helplines checked on each organisation's own website on 24 September 2026.