A Refuge for Battered Women

Photo by Kathy Anderson/Rappahanock Council on Domestic Violence The Rappahanock Council on Domestic Violence

Each year in America , up to 4,000 women are murdered by abusive partners.  A woman is beaten every 7.4 seconds, with some 3-4 million women experiencing domestic abuse each year.  
 
And while there are nationally some 3,800 animal shelters, only 1,500 shelters exist for battered women.  
 
Moreover, tough economic times are making it harder on vulnerable women.  
 
Kathy Anderson of the Rappahanock Council on Domestic Violence said she saw a marked increase in  Hotline calls last year.  "We are seeing more families, both in critical need but also families who have lost housing.  We also observe from the media that there have been more murders related to domestic violence.”
 
It’s about time the government sat up and took notice of this national shame.  
 
The Department of Justice, under the auspices of the stimulus package, recently awarded the Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence a grant of nearly $500,000 to help it provide transitional housing for battered women and their children.  
 
“This grant makes it possible for us to provide housing for 24 woman and their children at one time or a period of six months to two years," Anderson said. "Currently the shelter we run can only house them for two months.  The grant also allows us to hire three new staff members, part time: a case manager, and employment specialist, and a victim advocate, all of whom will be hired early next year."
 
Anderson added that the grants will provide rent and utilities at “scattered site transitional housing” locations for women in need.  
 
There will also be employment services offered through goodwill Industries for women who need jobs.
 
With regard to the grant, Attorney General Eric Holder said in a statement:“The most vulnerable in our society too often bear the greatest burden in times of economic hardship, which is why dedicating these funds to help survivors and their families get back on their feet is a concrete example of the Recovery Act at work.  Providing viable temporary housing options and services that promote self-sufficiency are critical and proven steps toward violence-free lives.”   
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Obama, provided the Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women  with $43 million for the Transitional Housing Assistance Program to provide holistic, victim-centered support services that move individuals into permanent housing.  

Transitional housing programs meet the goals of the Recovery Act through employing victim advocates and other personnel to assist victims, renovating housing for victims, offering additional housing units, and increasing job opportunities for victims through training, education and other support services.  The award period for these grants is 24-36 months.

The DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women provides leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to reduce violence against women through the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act and subsequent legislation.  

Created in 1995, the office administers financial and technical assistance to communities across the country that are developing programs, policies and practices aimed at ending domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Located at 271 Warrenton Rd in Fredericksburg (22405), the Rappahanock Council on Domestic Violence also runs a 24/7 hotline for victims of domestic abuse.  The number is (540) 373-9373.  There is a statewide hotline as well, and that number is 1-800-838-8238.