The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors asked County staff at it’s March 19 meeting to look into the possibility of increasing housing options for victims of domestic abuse.

“There is a well-documented link between domestic violence and homelessness and the number of domestic violence survivors who are homeless is increasing at an alarming rate,” according to the joint Board matter submitted by Chair Sharon Bulova, Supervisor Jeff McKay (D-Lee) and Supervisor Cathy Hudgins (D-Hunter Mill).

The Board passed the matter, which was based on these recommendations from the Fairfax County Commission for Women:

• Giving the needs of domestic violence survivors priority in County planning

• Conducting a County-wide summit to raise the profile of ‘Survivor-First housing options

• Instituting cross communication and cross training measures

• Conducting a comprehensive review of the legal barriers to housing access for domestic violence survivors

The Deputy County Executive is tasked with reporting back to the Board within 30 days.

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