University of Illinois System

Victims Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA)

The Victims Economic Security and Safety Act (820 ILCS 180) is designed to promote the State's interest in reducing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by enabling victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, or gender violence to maintain the financial independence necessary to leave abusive situations, achieve safety, and minimize the physical and emotional injuries from domestic violence, sexual violence, or gender violence; as well as to reduce the devastating economic consequences to employees. It gives employees the right to a 12-week paid or unpaid leave for each consecutive 12-month period for which eligibility criteria have been met.

Employees are entitled, on return from leave, to be restored to the position held when the leave commenced or to an equivalent position with equal pay, benefits, and other conditions of employment.

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