Resolution in Support of Survivors of Violence — File 23-0077

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS CITY COUNCIL WILLIE BURNLEY JR. CITY COUNCILOR AT LARGE A Resolution in Support of Survivors WHEREAS the City of Somerville recognizes the scourge of domestic and sexual violence as a pervasive and commits itself to holistically supporting its employees that are survivors of violence; and WHEREAS nationally 47.3 percent of women and 44.2 percent of men will experience some form of contact-based sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime, according to the latest CDC data; and WHEREAS Massachusetts submitted 2,441 records of misdemeanor domestic violence in 2021 to the the FBI’s Instant Criminal Background Check System, which likely represents an underestimated count of domestic violence incidents in the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, research from the National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women indicate that domestic violence can impact a survivor’ ability to retain employment; and WHEREAS survivors of domestic violence lose an average of 137 hours of work a year; and

WHEREAS, victims of any violent crime may experience physical and psychological health care needs related to that crime; and WHEREAS, victims of any violent crime may experience needs related to the court system, such as the need to file for an emergency protective order, testify in court, or otherwise participate in the prosecution of a crime, and WHEREAS the City of Somerville seeks to support survivors of violence in receiving the physical and mental healthcare they need; and WHEREAS the City of Somerville seeks to support victims of crime in meeting any court-related needs resulting from that crime; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Somerville City Council calls for the explicit extension of paid leave to survivors in the wake of violence via ordinance and for the administration to work with this council to publicize this policy as to expand its impact to other municipalities.