Getting to the root cause and preventing domestic violence is the mission behind new legislation in Prince George’s County.
The new bill, which was passed Tuesday, establishes a task force that will address everything from prevention to response efforts.
Jeanette Brandon is a domestic violence survivor and founder of Together We Can, a group dedicated to those who may be going through what she and her daughters once experienced.
“It affected my girls who were there with me at the young ages of 3 and 5, for them to be able to see and witness this, I didn’t want them to witness it anymore,” Brandon said.
For years, Brandon says she’s advocated for survivors and their families, so when she heard about a county proposal to bring together domestic violence organizations and agencies to come up with answers, she wanted to be front and center.
“The more awareness that we bring to domestic violence, the more lives we can save,” Brandon said.
The bill passed by the council establishes a 24-member workgroup made up of members from law enforcement, Department of Social Services, community groups and the Family Justice Center.
“Here in Prince George’s County, we really haven’t set up a strategic plan on domestic violence,” said Prince George’s County Councilmember Wanika Fisher. “We’ve only really had a very reactionary footprint when it comes to DV victims and their families.”
The group will address everything from housing to resources and even immediate essentials survivors need to leave harmful situations.
“Get an understanding of what is creating the problem and where the gaps are and what can we do to make a difference,” said Denise C. McCain, director of the Family Justice Center.
“Domestic violence is not just between romantic partners,” Fisher said. “It’s between grandchildren, grandparents and interfamily violence.”
Nearly 20% of the homicides within the county last year were domestic killings, according to Prince George’s County Police.
Domestic violence experts say oftentimes, victims may rely on their abuser and may lack the resources they need to leave.
“One of the biggest issues we have when we’re trying to help survivors leave the home is, ‘Well, I haven’t been in the workforce, or I can’t afford to pay for rent, and food and childcare. Where am I going to go?’” said Councilmember Krystal Oriadha.
After a year, the task force will present a final report with recommendations to the county council and county executive to take proactive actions.
“What we’re doing now is something that we should’ve done a long time ago,” Brandon said. “And that’s everybody take one stand, and stand in unity.”
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