Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (“VESSA”)

The Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) allows employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of such violence to take up to twelve (12) weeks of unpaid leave per any twelve (12) month period to seek medical help, legal assistance, counseling, safety planning, and other assistance.

VESSA also prohibits employers from discriminating against employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, gender violence, or any other crime of violence or who have family or household members who are victims of violence.

Violations of VESSA can be filed with the Illinois Department of Labor (“IDOL”) by filling out this complaint sheet.

If an employer is found to have violated VESSA, IDOL may require the employer to pay damages equal to the amount of wages, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost with interest, or provide equitable relief, such as reinstatement, promotion, reasonable accommodations and attorney’s fees.

If you are a victim of a VESSA violation please contact Peter LaSorsa at once to protect your rights.