IHSS Domestic Violence Protections for California Providers
Domestic violence affects workers in every field — and IHSS providers are not immune. California law provides specific protections for workers experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. You do not have to choose between your safety and your job.
Your Legal Protections Under California Law
California Labor Code § 230 and § 230.1 give employees the right to take time off for:- Medical attention for injuries from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
- Psychological counseling or mental health services
- Court appearances — restraining orders, criminal proceedings against the abuser
- Safety planning — meeting with a victim advocate, relocating, securing housing
- Legal services related to domestic violence
Confidentiality
Your employer must keep your reason for leave confidential. They cannot tell the recipient, the recipient's family, or other workers why you took time off.
Paid Sick Leave Can Cover DV Leave
Under California's paid sick leave law, you can use accrued paid sick leave for:
- Medical appointments related to DV injuries
- Meeting with a domestic violence counselor or advocate
- Court dates related to DV proceedings
What If You Need to Change Your Address?
If you need to keep your address confidential from your employer for safety reasons, California has an address confidentiality program: Safe at Home through the Secretary of State's office. Enrolled participants can use a substitute address for official purposes.
Contact: safeathome.ca.gov or call 1-877-322-5227.
Emergency Shelter and Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7, multilingual)
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: endabuse.org
- CHIRLA (for immigrant survivors): 1-888-624-4725
- California Courts self-help for restraining orders: courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-domesticviolence.htm