The Fair Work Commission says five days' unpaid domestic violence leave is appropriate, but one prominent victim says it is not enough.

The full bench of the Fair Work Commission has concluded that five days' unpaid leave is appropriate to help victims of domestic violence attend court sessions, counselling and other services.

“Having regard to the evidence about the impact on employees of family and domestic violence, the indicative evidence of the utilisation of existing family and domestic violence leave entitlements, and the parties' submissions, we are of the view that five days' unpaid leave per annum represents a fair and relevant minimum safety net entitlement,” the commission concluded.

The ruling applies to all employees, but can only be used if an employee cannot book sessions, appointments or interviews outside of ordinary work hours.

Federal Labor MP Emma Hussar has opened up about the struggles she continues to face after fleeing her abusive partner in 2015.

She says she is lucky to be able to leave work to attend meetings and counselling sessions, but acknowledges that not all victims are in a similar position.

Domestic violence support groups, Labor and unions want businesses to provide ten days of paid domestic violence leave.

The Federal Government wants to extend the entitlement outlined by the FWC to all employees by changing the Fair Work Act.

“We want to ensure a consistent safety net for employees covered by the national workplace system, so we will amend the Act in line with the final model clause to give other federal system employees access to unpaid leave on the same terms,” Workplace Minister Craig Laundy said.

Ms Husar said victims of domestic violence need paid leave.

“The one thing that helps women out of these situations is financial security. You can't get financial security when you are getting unpaid leave.

“You are trying to support children, you are trying to move house, and you might have somebody who won't pay your child support or who is not cooperative financially and you might be relying on every single cent that you get.

“It comes to the point where you are putting food back on supermarket shelves.”