Supervisor Jeff McKay, Other Members Ask Deputy County Executive to Address Domestic Violence and Housing

During Tuesday's Board of Supervisor's meeting, the board passed Supervisors Jeff McKay and Cathy Hudgins and Chairman Sharon Bulova's joint matter to review and respond to the Commission of Women's (CFW) recent recommendations on domestic violence and housing in Fairfax County.

According to the written matter, CFW has been developing the recommendations on how to increase safe, affordable housing options for domestic violence victims in the county since 2010. In doing so, CFW has heard from a number of organizations including non-profits, faith-based and government groups that help domestic violence with their housing needs.

In their research, CFW found there is a definite link between domestic violence and homelessness. CFW also found that many victims of domestic violence return to their abusers due to the lack of viable housing alternatives.

CFW's recommendations for Fairfax County include:

1. Conduct a county-wide summit to elevate the priority of domestic violence “survivor-first” housing opportunities.
2. Immediately develop a blueprint for expanding capacity of “survivor-first” housing options.
3. Institute cross-communication and cross training measures.
4. Conduct a comprehensive review of the legal barriers to access to housing by DV Survivors.

During the meeting, McKay, Bulova and Hudgins asked that the Deputy County Executive Pat Harrison report back to the board in 30 days or fewer with a response to the CFW's recommendations.

To view CFW's complete executive summary or "Domestic Violence White Paper, click on the above PDF.

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