Commissioner Eileen Higgins Passes Legislation to Strengthen Domestic Leave Policy for Miami-Dade County Employees
MIAMI-DADE – At the October 16, 2024, Board of County Commissioners meeting, and in alignment with Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Commissioner Eileen Higgins successfully passed an ordinance amending Miami-Dade County’s Domestic Leave Policy, enhancing protections and support for County employees who are victims of domestic violence.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in four women and one in ten 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,” said Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “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, please contact the Domestic Violence Oversight Board at 305-375-2861 or email Elizabeth Regalado at [email protected].