RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia has become the first Southern state to establish a paid family and medical leave program, which also expands eligibility to support employees dealing with domestic violence. Advocates said the provisions could help survivors seek safety without fear of losing their paycheck or their job. Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed the legislation on Monday, May 11, making way for eligible workers to be able to take up to three months of paid leave beginning in December 2028. The legislation also includes up to one month of paid leave for workers seeking “safety services” related to domestic violence or other abusive behavior. Advocates said the law addresses a major barrier many survivors face when trying to leave abusive situations. “It is so common that a survivor would have to miss work to deal with domestic violence or stalking issue,” said Rupa Murthy, CEO of YWCA Richmond. PREVIOUS: Spanberger signs landmark Virginia paid family leave bill into law Supporters said missing work to go to court or find safe housing can put survivors at risk of losing income they depend on. “This kind of really levels the playing field, allows employers to be supportive of their employee who’s going through what could arguably be the worst scenario in their life,” said Mary Maupai, interim executive director of Safe Harbor. “It gives comfort to the survivor knowing that that job will be there, the pay and that they’ll still be able to support their family and their children.” The law defines “safety services” as seeking legal assistance, medical care, victim support services or relocation. “Survivors are going to have a new way to ensure that they not only survive on their darkest day and their darkest moments but also can thrive again in our community,” Murthy said. While advocates praised the legislation, they said additional resources are still needed to support survivors across Virginia. LIST: Domestic violence programs available in Central Virginia Maupai said Safe Harbor’s emergency shelter is consistently full, while YWCA Richmond reported a 25% increase in survivors seeking shelter services this year. “We need more counselors. We need more beds. We need more agencies that are providing these services,” Maupai said. “And we need to be creative, too, about how we’re reaching out and connecting with these survivors.” The Virginia Employment Commission will oversee the paid leave program, which is currently in the development phase. ...read more read less