Miami Dade Commission for Women proposes new measures to combat domestic violence

The Miami-Dade County Housing Committee convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss critical issues affecting women in the community, as presented by Josephine Novo, the legislative chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women. The meeting focused on the annual status of women report, which highlights key areas of concern and recommendations for policy improvements.

Novo began by outlining the commitment of Miami-Dade County to uphold women's rights, referencing the adoption of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2015. This commitment is further supported by a partnership with Florida International University, which aids in the collection of data across four critical areas: economic development, safety, health, and education.

The first major topic addressed was the alarming rise in violence against women, with statistics showing an 84.7% increase in domestic violence cases over the past year. Novo emphasized the need for immediate action, recommending the establishment of two new community violence advocacy centers in underserved areas and a multimedia marketing campaign to raise awareness about these resources.

The committee also discussed the domestic violence leave policy, which is currently being enacted to provide paid leave and training for employees and supervisors, aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence.

Another significant issue raised was the high black maternal mortality rates, with only 57% of black women receiving adequate prenatal care. Novo urged the board to authorize funding for a maternal health fair to provide educational services related to prenatal and postnatal care.

Economic disparities were also highlighted, with an 18% wage gap between full-time female and male workers. Novo called for an analysis of the county employee workforce to understand the reasons behind this pay disparity and to develop solutions.

The meeting concluded with Novo expressing gratitude for the opportunity to present these findings and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to improve the status of women in Miami-Dade County. The committee's discussions underscored the urgent need for targeted actions to address violence, health disparities, and economic inequalities faced by women in the community.