This paper considers the likely utilisation of paid family and domestic violence leave provisions if they are extended (as has been proposed) to apply to all paid employees in Australia.

The paper reviews the actual experience of several Australian employers which have already implemented paid domestic violence leave policies; this review confirms that these provisions, in practice, are not frequently utilised.

Then, on the basis of published data regarding the incidence of domestic violence, its impact on work attendance, the average length of time away from work as a result of that violence, and other parameters, the paper develops estimates of the likely utilisation of paid domestic violence leaves, and the incremental wage payments that would be associated with the application of a 10-day paid leave provision across the Australian economy.