Sinn Féin councillor welcomes unanimous backing for 'Safe Leave' motion

SINN Féin Antrim Town Councillor Lucille O’Hagan has welcomed the unanimous passing of her motion on the Domestic Abuse Safe Leave Act 2022 at Monday’s full meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

The motion was brought forward to coincide with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and the beginning of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign.

Speaking in the chamber, Councillor O’Hagan said that although she was moving the motion, it was very much a collective motion brought with colleagues in the council’s Women’s Subcommittee.

The motion was seconded by Antrim Town SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch.

Councillor O’Hagan highlighted the importance of the date.

“Tomorrow marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the start of the global campaign ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence’.

“This year’s theme ‘Digital Violence’ highlights the growing digital world, where online abuse is escalating rapidly with an overall lack of support available to victims.”

She told members that the motion aimed to raise awareness of the global campaign and underline the role employers can play.

“This motion is an opportunity to raise public awareness of the global campaign and a reminder of the role that employers can play in supporting victims of domestic and sexual violence.

“The Domestic Abuse and Safe Leave Act 2022 provides entitlement to paid, safe leave for victims of domestic abuse.

“This safe leave will allow workers to access paid time off to deal with issues related to domestic abuse such as attending health appointments, police, solicitors, court, to arrange housing and put safety plans into place without fear of losing pay.”

Councillor O’Hagan also reaffirmed the council’s broader commitments through the Executive Office’s EVAWG strategy.

“This council has already set out its commitment, through the Executive Office strategic framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls, for the long road ahead.”

She placed on record her thanks to those already carrying out work in this area.

“This motion acknowledges the progress already made by this council and places on record our thanks to officers and community partners who have taken this work forward.”

She added that adopting safe leave locally would be ‘a reasonable next step in strengthening protection and dignity for staff experiencing abuse and goes some way to address the added worry of choosing between safety and income’.

After the meeting, Councillor O’Hagan said the unanimous support reflected a shared understanding that domestic abuse requires real action, and that she looks forward to officers bringing a report on implementation of safe leave for staff to committee in early 2026.

SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch reaffirmed her support for strong action to end violence and abuse in all forms, as she seconded the motion ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November.

Councillor Lynch said the date served as an important reminder that gender-based violence ‘is not an abstract issue, it is a reality in every community’.

While women and girls are disproportionately affected, she stressed that men and boys can also be victims, and that the council’s work must support everyone who experiences abuse.

She praised the Council’s ongoing commitment through its Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) initiative, noting that its core principles safety, dignity and support apply to all victims regardless of gender.

“Our responsibility is to protect every person in our community who faces harm,” she said.

Councillor Lynch highlighted the importance of the Domestic Abuse (Safe Leave) Act 2022, which provides up to ten days’ paid leave for victims of domestic abuse both women and men enabling them to seek help without fear of losing work or income.

She welcomed confirmation that Council officers are reviewing the Act and will bring forward proposals soon, describing this as ‘another step in making this Council a safe, supportive and trauma-aware employer for all staff’.

Councillor Lynch added: “By backing this motion, we reaffirm a simple message:

“Violence and abuse against women, men or anyone in our community will never be tolerated.

“We will continue to lead by example.”