Five days-unpaid leave is not nearly enough for women to make themselves and their families safe from violence.

The five days of unpaid Family and Domestic Leave (FDV Leave) announced by the Turnbull government last month is a very small step in the right direction but doesn’t provide nearly enough time or money to ensure women experiencing violence can make themselves safe and protect their families, say unions.

Research shows that it takes significant amounts of time and money to leave a violent environment.

There is a significant expense for truck hire, removalists, new schools, childcare, police and court appointments – all to be done in business hours.

According to research, leaving an abusive relationship and finding a new, safe place to live costs on average $18,280 and takes 141 hours. The Turnbull government has granted 40 hours unpaid. Unions have been seeking a minimum 10 days FDV Leave to assist working people experiencing violence.

“The Turnbull government’s proposal is five days of no income. Nothing to help pay the lawyer’s bill, nothing to help move to a safer home, nothing to keep the lights on,” said ACTU Secretary Sally McManus.

“No worker should have to choose between keeping their job and keeping their family safe.

“The Turnbull Government needs to do more to assist women, who are being killed every week by abusive partners.”