An employee who is a victim of a serious or violent crime, or who is a family member of a victim, may take unpaid time off to attend judicial proceedings related to the crime. “Victim” is defined as any person who suffers direct or threatened physical, psychological, or financial harm as a result of the commission or attempted commission of a crime or delinquent act. The term “victim” also includes the person’s spouse, parent, child, sibling, or guardian.

Employees who require time off under this policy must provide reasonable advance notice, unless advance notice is not feasible. When advance notice is not feasible, the employee must, within a reasonable time after the absence, provide documentation evidencing the judicial proceeding from the court or government agency setting the hearing, the district attorney or prosecuting attorney’s office, or the victim/witness office that is advocating on behalf of the victim.

Employees may take the time off without pay, or use accrued vacation, sick time, PTO (if applicable), and/or compensatory time off if available.

It is unlawful to retaliate or discriminate in any way against an employee for exercising the employee’s rights under this policy. Additionally, to the extent allowed by law, the university will maintain the confidentiality of any employee requesting time off under this policy.

Responsible offices

Human Resources Administrationuschr@usc.edu
(213) 821-8100

Issued by

David Wright
Interim Senior Vice President, Administration