Dear Councilmember ____________:

The District Alliance for Safe Housing and District of Columbia Coalition Against Domestic
Violence, as well as the undersigned organizations and individuals, urge you to recognize the
danger the Homeless Service Reform Amendment Act (HSRA) of 2010 (B18-1059) poses to
victims of domestic violence and their children. Because lives are in the balance, we write in
advance of the bill’s scheduled public hearing, where we will reiterate and expand upon our
concerns.

We appreciate that our voices of concern were heard regarding the impact of emergency
legislation amending the HSRA on victims of domestic violence. We advocated against this
emergency legislation because of its impact on victims and were pleased that no legislation was
introduced and an opportunity for public comment was given; however, we strongly oppose
B18-1059 despite its exemption for domestic violence victims.

Foremost, the exemption conflicts with local and federal laws protecting the rights victims currently
have to confidentiality and fair housing. The legislation provides that “certain third parties may
verify residency.” Verification entails questioning those seeking shelter/housing, meaning
disclosure of potentially endangering information to third parties. This jeopardizes the safety
and privacy rights victims are afforded under local and federal law.

Moreover, simply removing the exemption would not resolve the problems for domestic
violence victims and children. Many victims flee dangerous situations without the paperwork
that would be necessary to prove they are District residents. Such victims would be at risk of
being left out in the cold this winter because of lack of paperwork. Victims fleeing domestic
violence from other jurisdictions would likewise be prohibited from entering shelter in DC,
despite our long-standing policy of giving safe-haven to such victims.

The District’s elected officials have had a long-standing commitment to the safety and privacy
rights of domestic violence victims. Local and federal laws contain broad confidentiality
protections for information disclosed by victims to third parties to ensure that information such
as location, employer, and current phone number, does not get into the wrong hands. B18-
1059 conflicts with the laws you introduced or co-sponsored, reflecting your deep concern for Comment [L1]: Depends on CM will specify

the privacy and safety of victims and your understanding that the disclosure of information
must be limited or it puts victims and children at an increased risk of harm. This legislation fails
to take this into account and therefore will endanger the very lives it is intended to protect.

We know that you are committed to protecting victims of domestic violence from
discrimination when seeking shelter or housing because you (introduced/co-sponsored) Comment [L2]: Depends on the CM will specify

legislation that allowed the District to provide the most comprehensive housing protections for
victims in the country. These protections clearly provide that asking an individual’s race, status
as a domestic violence victim, ethnicity and other protected areas is not legal, with limited
exception. This legislation disregards these extensive local protections. Individuals will be not
only asked but required to disclose their status as a victim in order to qualify for the exemption
from the residency requirement and to thereby access individual and family shelter. Many
victims will fear disclosing their status and avoid seeking shelter – and will be likely to remain in
a violent relationship rather than seeking safety for themselves and their children.

We understand policy makers are considering all options to ensure homeless individuals have
shelter. Though not the bill’s intent, this legislation will only increase barriers standing
between the thousands of District women and children seeking shelter from domestic
violence. Additionally, the exemption for victims of domestic violence conflicts with local and
federal confidentiality and fair housing laws and is inconsistent with DC Council’s long-standing
commitment to protecting victims who are homeless and seeking safe housing.

Finally, in addition to the residency verification requirements, we also strongly oppose the
provision in the bill that would repeal the prohibition on sheltering families communally during
the winter. As you know, there is severe shortage of shelter capacity for domestic violence
victims. Accordingly, many are forced to enter the mainstream shelter system. Sheltering
families communally puts children at increased risk of abuse from unrelated adults with whom
they are forced to share sleeping quarters and bathing facilities. It also puts victims at risk of
living in close proximity to the perpetrator of violence. Communal living is dangerous for victims
and their children.

If you have any questions please contact Larisa Kofman, Public Policy Director, District Alliance
for Safe Housing, lkofman@dashdc.org or 202-462-3274 ext. 105 or the DC Coalition Against
Domestic Violence at 202-299-1181.

Sincerely,