The Department of Human Resources (DHR), Department of Law (Law) and the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence (MODV) have joined in an effort to inform all employees about the Victims Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA).
What is VESSA?
- Victims’ Economic Security & Safety Act
- Public Act 93-0591, 820 ILCS 180/1 et seq.
- Signed into law: August 25, 2003
The Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) provides an employee who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or an employee who has a family or household member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence with up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave to address issues arising from domestic or sexual violence.
What organizations are required to implement VESSA?
- All private sector employers with 50 or more employees
- The State of Illinois
- Local governments (The City of Chicago) or school districts
All employers subject to the Act must be in compliance as of August 25, 2003.
Who does VESSA Cover?
- Employees who are victims of domestic or sexual violence.
- Employees who have a family or household member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence.
Who may be contacted to receive more VESSA information?
City of Chicago employees needing to invoke their VESSA rights or who need further information should contact VESSA Liaison or human resources liaison.
If you or someone you know is a victim of physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or financial abuse, please call:
Chicago’s Domestic Violence Help Line:
- 1.877.863.6338 / (1.877.TO END ABUSE)
- 1.877.863.6339 TTY
The Help Line is:
- Toll Free
- 24 Hours
- Confidential
- Multilingual
- Staffed by Domestic Violence Advocates
City of Chicago Documentation
Click on the links below or by clicking the VESSA section under FORMS to the left to access the available documentation.
VESSA Accommodation Form
VESSA Leave Form
VESSA Policy
Other VESSA Resources
www.cityofchicago.org/domesticviolence
or
Illinois Department of Labor
160 North LaSalle Street, Suite C-1300
Chicago, IL 60601
312.793.6797
http://www.state.il.us/agency/idol