Oregon Safe Leave Policy Drops Police Report Requirement
The Paid Leave Oregon program now allows workers to access leave for domestic violence without needing a police report.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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Oregon residents seeking time off due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking can now access safe leave through the state's program without providing a police report. This policy allows victims to prioritize their safety while receiving wage replacement benefits.
Why it matters
Removing the police report barrier makes it easier for survivors to secure necessary time away from work to focus on their personal safety and recovery. The program ensures that workers can access protected leave and income replacement without disclosing specific abuse details to their employers.
Between July 2024 and June 2026, the state approved 2,195 safe leave applications, resulting in $11 million in benefit payouts. Eligible employees can receive up to 12 weeks of leave annually with wage replacement rates reaching 100%.
The players
Paid Leave Oregon
This state-run agency manages the insurance program that provides employees with paid time off for family, medical, and safe leave needs.
The details
Workers can qualify for safe leave using documentation from health care professionals, counselors, attorneys, or victim services providers, and in some cases, a brief written statement. To maintain job protection, employees must notify their employers of unexpected leave within 24 hours and provide written notice within three days, provided they have been employed for at least 90 consecutive days.
Timeline
July 2024 through June 2026 marked the period in which 2,195 applications were approved.
Employees must notify employers of unexpected leave within 24 hours.
Written notice for unexpected leave is required within 3 days.
A 90-day employment duration is required for job protection eligibility.
Legal Context
This policy update aligns with the state's broader effort to modernize the Oregon Family Leave Act by removing outdated documentation requirements. It marks a shift toward prioritizing survivor accessibility in the state's comprehensive leave framework.
Residents can now utilize these leave benefits without the secondary trauma of involving law enforcement. Those needing to initiate the application process can use the Frances Online portal or apply via paper application.
The takeaway
Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault are encouraged to utilize professional support networks rather than law enforcement to document their leave needs. This streamlined process ensures that privacy is maintained while providing financial stability during difficult transitions.
Further reading
For more information on state protections, visit the Sex Crimes section.
More information
To review eligibility requirements or start an application, visit the Paid Leave Oregon official website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KEZI-TV 9.
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