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EspañolHow much notice do I need to give my employer if I need to take time off from work to deal with an act of violence?
If you have to take time off from work related to an act of violence, you must tell your employer ahead of time unless it is impossible to do so. California law does not say exactly how many days in advance you need to tell your employer – just that you must give “reasonable advance notice.”1 However, it is wise to tell your employer as early as possible.
If you cannot give advance notice, your employer cannot fire you or punish you for taking an “unscheduled absence.” However, within a reasonable amount of time after your absence, your employer may require you to show proof that you were absent for a reason permitted under this law.2 For examples of what types of proof you can give, see Do I need to give my employer documentation if I take time off from work?
Note: It is a good idea to ask your employer in writing for the time off and to keep a copy of the email or letter you wrote and any response from the employer. This way, if the employer denies you the time off, you have some proof that you asked for it in case you decide to bring legal action against the employer for violating the law.
1 Cal. Gov. Code § 12945.8(c)(1)
2 Cal. Gov. Code § 12945.8(c)(2)
