VESSA Leave
In compliance with the Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA), City Colleges of Chicago grants full-time and part-time employees up to 12 weeks unpaid leave per 12-month period to address domestic or sexual violence for the following reasons:
- To seek medical attention for, or recovering from, physical or psychological injuries caused by domestic or sexual violence to the employee or the employee’s family or household member.
- To obtain victim services for the employee or the employee’s family or houshold member.
- To obtain psychological or other counseling for the employee or the employee’s family or household member.
- To participate in a safety planning, temporarily or permanently relocating. or taking other actions to increase the safety of the employee or the employee’s family or household member from future domestic or sexual violence or ensure economic security.
- To seek legal assistance or remedies to ensure the health and safety of the employee or the employee’s family or household member, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or derived from domestic or sexual violence.
The 12 weeks of VESSA leave may be taken at one time, intermittently or on a reduced work schedule. An employee must provide the College with at least 48 hours advance notice of the employee’s intention to take the VESSA leave, unless providing the notice is not practicable. Leave taken under VESSA will run concurrently with FMLA leave and/or other paid leave available.
Should employees need additional information about this leave including the required certifications and benefit continuation, benefit accrual, reporting requirements and/or other questions or issues, they should contact the District Office of Human Resources.
