SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KWQC) – Workers who use company-owned devices to record or document violence impacting them and their families are now protected under a new amendment.

The amendment to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act makes sure employees can’t be disciplined or retaliated against for using company computers, tablets or phones to record or store evidence related to domestic and sexual violence or stalking, according to a media release.

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their job when documenting violence against themselves or their family,” Jane Flanagan, director of the Illinois Department of Labor said in the release.

Employers also have to give employees access to any photos, recordings or other digital documentation of violence on the device, officials said.

Workers still have the right to leave or reasonable workplace accommodations under the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act, which officials said wasn’t impacted by the amendment.

The amendment went into effect on Jan. 1.

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