VESSA protects the rights of employees who are subject to or has a family or household member subject to cases of domestic, sexual, or gender violence, to take unpaid time off work to obtain orders of protection or civil no contact orders; seek medical or legal assistance, counseling, or other services; or look for housing to escape sexual or domestic violence, without penalty from their employer. The Act also prohibits employers from discriminating against any employee who is a victim of or who has a family or household member who is a victim of domestic, sexual, or gender violence. We will advise you of your rights and the employer’s responsibilities and help you understand this important law.