Victims’ Leave and Accommodation

California law has long allowed employees who were victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other crimes to take time off work to attend legal proceedings and to seek medical treatment and services.

California revised and expanded its leave provisions for victims in 2025, both broadening the definition of “victim” under the law and expanding the reasons for which this leave may be taken. Certain victims' leave provisions were also moved from the labor Code to the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), given the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) enforcement authority.