A new law signed last week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will soon require New York businesses to give time off to employees who are victims of domestic violence.

The legislation, A.5618/S.1040, sponsored by Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, D-Metropolitan, allows employees a reasonable accommodation in taking time off to, for example, seek medical attention or counseling or appear in court on matters related to incidents of domestic violence.

Under the law, employers could require employees to use accumulated vacation, sick or personal leave to take time off or it may be deemed as unpaid leave. The legislation states that time off is restricted under the law if it is considered an “undue hardship” for the employer, which is determined based on the size and nature of the company.

“Victims of domestic violence are forced to deal with far-reaching, lasting ramifications that can understandably interfere with their work schedules,” Cuomo said. “By signing this measure into law we are strengthening our nation-leading domestic violence protection laws and ensuring survivors never have to fear losing their job as they deal with the aftermath of these unthinkable traumas.”

The law takes effect Nov. 18.