On October 1, 2022, the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act (CFEPA) was expanded to include victims of domestic violence as a protected class of employees. In addition, all Connecticut employers must now provide employees who are victims of domestic violence with reasonable leaves of absence for designated purposes.

Domestic violence is any physical, sexual, emotional or economic abuse that occurs in a household or intimate relationship. It can include physical assault, battery, rape, stalking, threats and intimidation. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.

The revised CFEPA prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of their status as victims of domestic violence. This means that employers cannot take any of the following actions motivated by that status:

• Fire, demote, or suspend an employee
• Refuse to hire an employee
• Harass or mistreat an employee
• Take any other adverse employment action against an employee

Besides forbidding discrimination, the revised law requires employers to grant leaves of absence that are necessary for employees to address the needs arising from their status as victims of domestic violence. Necessity can be established by an employee taking time off to do the following:

• Seeking medical attention for injuries caused by domestic violence
• Obtaining counseling or other mental health services related to domestic violence
• Relocating to a safe place
• Obtaining legal services related to domestic violence.

The CFEPA does not require employers to provide an unlimited leave of absence. However, reasonable leave must be provided unless it would cause undue hardship to the employer.

Employees who believe they have been discriminated against because they are victims of domestic violence should first contact their employer's human resources department or other designated management official. If the employee is not satisfied with the employer's response, they may file a complaint with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), the agency that investigates and enforces anti-discrimination laws in the state.

Employees who are considering filing a complaint with the CHRO should first seek legal counsel. An experienced employment lawyer can help employees understand their rights and can protect their interests throughout the complaint process.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in East Haven or Hamden represents employees in discrimination claims, wrongful termination actions and other Connecticut employment law matters. To set up a meeting with one our attorneys, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.