This Law Firm Publication by Foley Hoag LLP discusses a new Massachusetts bill which creates a category of job-protected leave for victims of domestic violence or abuse. The law, signed by Governor Deval Patrick on August 8, 2014, requires employers with 50 or more employees to permit an employee up to 15 days of leave per year to address issues directly related to abusive behavior suffered by the employee or certain family members. The bill defines what qualifies as domestic violence and abusive behavior, which family members are covered, and for which issues an employee can use the leave. Employees are protected from retaliatory discharge or discrimination for exercising their rights under the law, and must be restored to their original job or an equivalent position when they return from leave. The Massachusetts Attorney General is empowered to enforce the law, which took effect immediately.