Victims may have problems at work as a result of experiencing crime. For instance, victims may have to miss work to go to court. Colorado law gives protection for some victims of crime with employment issues.
For example, a victim of Domestic Violence, Domestic Abuse, Stalking, or Sexual Assault may be able to take up to three working days off for reasons related to the crime if:
- The victim worked at their job for at least a year, and
- The employer has at least 50 employees, and
- The victim uses the time off try to get a civil protection order; get medical care or mental health counseling; make their home secure; or seek legal help, and
- The victim gives advanced notice of the time off to the employer. There may be exceptions in cases of imminent danger, and
- The employee uses up all other forms of time off (e.g., sick or vacation leave) before taking these three days, unless the employer drops that requirement.
The employer is not allowed to tell anyone the reasons why the victim took this time off. It is against the law for an employer to fire or discriminate against an employee for taking this time off.
Victims of domestic violence can receive unemployment benefits if they leave a job because of the intimate partner abuse. A victim of domestic violence must show the following things:
- A belief continuing to work will risk the safety of the victim or their family, and,
- A protection order or police report showing domestic violence, or,
- A statement from a counselor, shelter worker, clergy, attorney, or health worker that they sought help for intimate partner abuse.
A victim in a criminal case, or someone in their immediate family, also can’t be fired or disciplined by their employer if they have to miss work to prepare for the criminal case or to respond to a subpoena. For more information on a victim’s rights in the criminal justice system, click here.
There can also be other kinds of employment issues after crime. For example, a victim might be discriminated against in hiring or firing. There can also be problems with paychecks, safety, harassment, privacy issues, and more. Contact a Navigator for referrals for help with these kinds of issues.
It is against the law for employers to discriminate against people because of their race/ethnicity, citizenship, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.
Find legal representation in your area.
List of courts by county.
If you or someone you know needs help on this topic, click here for some Denver-based and national organizationsclick here for some Denver-based and national organizations that may help you.
To see Colorado statutes on employment issues, click here and here.
