Delaware Expands Protections for Crime and Domestic Violence Victims - HR ALERTS

Delaware Expands Protections for Crime and Domestic Violence Victims

Effective Date: August 20, 2025

Delaware has expanded workplace protections for crime victims and victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and stalking.

Effective August 20, 2025, amendments to Delaware’s Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights broaden employee protections related to attending legal proceedings and strengthen anti-retaliation provisions.

What’s Changing

• Employees are now protected when preparing for or attending a “proceeding” (previously limited to “criminal proceedings”).

• Employers must comply with other applicable laws protecting victims or witnesses, including providing accommodations for victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, or stalking.

• Under the Delaware Discrimination in Employment Act, employers may not terminate or discipline a crime victim or a victim’s representative for preparing for or attending a proceeding under the Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights.

What This Means for Employers

• Leave related to legal proceedings may be broader than previously understood.

• Employers should review attendance, discipline, and leave policies to ensure compliance.

• Managers should be reminded of anti-retaliation protections related to crime victim and domestic violence accommodations.

• Coordination with existing leave and accommodation policies is recommended.

Action Recommended

Delaware employers should review policies and manager training to ensure employees are not disciplined for protected participation in qualifying proceedings.

Reference: DE S.B. 17  (amending 11 Del. C. § 9401, 11 Del. C. § 9409, and 19 Del. C. § 711)

---

Get day-to-day updates on Delaware Expands Protections for Crime and Domestic Violence Victims visit the Vida HR Knowledge Center (Vida HR Clients Exclusive).