|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Miami-Dade County commissioners at their Oct. 16 meeting passed an ordinance proposed by Commissioner Eileen Higgins amending the county’s Domestic Leave Policy, enhancing protections and support for its employees who are victims of domestic violence.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in 10 men experience sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime. Economic insecurity is one of the most significant barriers preventing survivors from leaving abusive relationships.
The newly passed ordinance aims to address this issue by ensuring that county employees facing domestic violence do not have to choose between financial stability and personal safety.
“These changes will ensure that victims of domestic violence who work for Miami-Dade County can seek the help they need without sacrificing their financial security, while also fostering a workplace culture of awareness and support that allows all county employees to thrive both personally and professionally,” Commissioner Higgins said. “No one should ever have to choose between a paycheck and their safety.”
The ordinance incorporates recommendations from the county’s Domestic Violence Oversight Board made in June 2024 to bring crucial changes to the existing Domestic Leave Policy. Previously, victims were entitled to 30 days of unpaid leave, but only after exhausting their vacation and personal leave.
“This legislation matters because our employees matter,” said Elizabeth Regalado, executive director for Miami-Dade County’s Domestic Violence Oversight Board. “It amplifies and strengthens protections and safety to our workforce experiencing domestic violence. More importantly, it provides the dignity that survivors and victims of domestic violence need to heal and regain control of their lives. It affirms that they are not alone in their challenge, that there is help, and it begins with their employer.”
Under Commissioner Higgins’ ordinance, key changes to the policy include:
• County employees will now be eligible for up to 25 days of domestic leave every 12 months.
• Five of these days will be paid leave.
• Victims will no longer be required to exhaust their vacation or personal leave before utilizing domestic leave.
• Instruction and training regarding the updated Domestic Leave Policy to all new employees, in addition to periodic training regarding the benefits and protections of the policy.
• A designated contact who is trained to assist employee victims of domestic violence receive related services.
The updated policy reflects Commissioner Higgins’ ongoing commitment to addressing worker’s rights and advocating for the safety and well-being of all Miami-Dade County employees. Implementing these changes demonstrates her dedication to creating a supportive work environment where victims feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear of financial repercussions.
For more information on the ordinance or resources for domestic violence survivors, contact the Domestic Violence Oversight Board at 305-375-2861 or send email to Elizabeth Regalado at elizabeth.regalado@miamidade.gov.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
