Victims of domestic violence will now receive their full pay if they need to take domestic violence leave.

This morning, The Minister for Children and Equality, Roderic O’Gorman, announced that domestic violence leave will be formally introduced.

The legislation is aided by regulations developed by Women’s Aid that set out the rate of pay and guidance for employers.

The new form of leave was introduced as part of the Work-Life Balance Act, passed earlier this year.

Following consultation with employers' representatives, trade unions and domestic violence support organisations, the decision on the rate of pay was reached.

The requirement to consult with domestic violence support organisations on the rate of pay was added to the legislation at Report Stage by Minister O’Gorman.

Minister O'Gorman said the domestic violence leave "gives a victim of domestic violence the chance to access support without impacting on their employment and income."

"It is important that they can take the leave without worrying about losing income or being put at more risk – ensuring that they can receive their full pay will go a long way to help with this," he said.

"Any issues raised in the consultations regarding the leave will be taken into account in the review of the provisions."

Last year, 612 people were prosecuted for domestic violence.