Advocates for domestic violence victims and their children have been coming out in force to push for full funding of our first County-run monitored child exchange and supervised visitation center for domestic violence victims and their children. Today a host of organizations testified as part of the Montgomery County Council’s public hearings on the FY18 budget.
Montgomery County NOW ‘s Co-President Jeanette Feldner led off the panel and spoke about the need for multiple safe visitation sites throughout the County. Fran Rothstein, with The Montgomery County Woman’s Democratic Club strongly supported the Center and requested that the Council add funds to keep the center open for services for at least 24 hours each week.
Court Watch Montgomery’s Laurie Duker 
warned that judges were unlikely to order families to use the new center unless it was open a significant number of hours so that it was convenient for families. Duker pointed out that “we can’t just wish abusers away. They will be parents for life. They need to have a chance to learn parenting skills and how to de-escalate conflict.” Batting last, with moving stories about her clients, was Alexandra Iaccolo, Staff Attorney at House of Ruth. (Read Court Watch testimony here.)
A SAFE Silver Spring leader spoke in favor of the new visitation center at last night’s hearing. The Jewish Coalition Against Domestic Violence is scheduled to testify in support of the center, as is The League of Women Voters.
Court Watch volunteers held portraits of more than 15 children, mothers and fathers who have been killed during unsafe exchanges or unsupervised visits. The vast majority were children.