08/20/2025
VESSA, or Missouri's Victim Economic Safety and Security Act, is a vital law that allows survivors of domestic and sexual violence, or their family or household members, the right to use unpaid time to access services related to domestic or sexual violence.
VESSA can be used to seek medical attention, access services from a victim services organization, participate in safety planning or relocation, counseling, or criminal or legal proceedings.
Employees who experience domestic or sexual violence, as defined in state statute, qualify for VESSA Unpaid leave. Some employers may request documentation to certify the unpaid time off. This documentation can come from a service provider, counselor, law enforcement officer, attorney, or medical professional. Documentation is to be kept confidential once the employer receives it.
You can access our tip sheet on VESSA by visiting www.mocadsv.org/Research/ and scrolling to the Research Publications section. You can also
