Know Your Rights: Time Off and Job Protections for Victims of Violence in California

AB 2499, which went into effect at the beginning of the year, expanded leave and accommodation protections for victims of violence in California. As an employee in California, if you or a family member suffers violence, you may qualify for job-protected leave and workplace accommodations under this new law. On July 1, 2025, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) released a new mandatory notice titled, “Survivors of Violence and Family Members of Victims Right to Leave and Accommodations.” This notice is meant to help workers understand their legal rights under AB 2499.

What Is the CRD Notice About?

The notice released by the CRD clarifies the circumstances under which you may take time off if you or a family member has faced violence. It outlines your right to request workplace safety-related accommodations, the number of job-protected leave days available, how privacy is protected, and the legal protections against retaliation or discrimination. The notice also provides guidance on how to file a complaint in the event your rights are violated.

According to the law, employers are legally mandated to provide you with this notice.

• When you are hired,
• Once a year,
• Whenever you request it, or
• When you reveal that you or a family member has been a victim of violence

AB 2499 mandates that employers provide this new notice or a substantially similar document. Additionally, you can access the notice here.

As an employee, it is crucial that you read through the entire notice so you can understand your rights and protections under the new law. That way, you can better protect yourself.

Who Is Protected Under AB 2499?

Under AB 2499, you are protected if you or a family member is a victim of a Qualifying Act of Violence (QAV). The law defines a QAV as;

• Stalking
• Sexual assault
• Domestic violence
• Violent threats
• Any violence causing injury
• Use of or presence of a dangerous weapon

It is vital to note that if you or a family member suffers a QAV, you are legally protected even if the perpetrator was not arrested, prosecuted, or convicted. 

Family members under the law include;

• Spouses
• Children
• Grandchildren
• Parents
• Domestic partners
• A designated person

A designated person can be someone related to you by blood or who is the equivalent of a family member, such as a best friend. You may identify a designated person when you request leave, but your employer can limit you to one pick per 12-month period.

If you are the victim, you can take up to 12 weeks off work; if a family member is the victim, you can take up to 10 days. If a family member dies due to violence, you can take up to 12 weeks off.

Which Employers Must Follow the Law?

All California employers must give employees time off to appear in court and seek relief, such as a restraining order.  But if you work for an employer with 25 or more workers, you must also be provided time off for;

• Safety planning
• Seeking medical and support services
• Attending legal proceedings
• Family care
• Getting or helping a family member get legal services, medical attention, a restraining order, or other services related to the violence

Contact a California Employment Lawyer

There is a lot more to know about AB 2499. Contact a California employment lawyer for more information or if you believe your rights have been violated.