Domestic Violence advocates and staff of the African American Planning Commission turned out at New York's City Hall on Tuesday for a mock funeral to "mourn for victims of domestic violence who are dying for a safe home." The Voices of Women Organizing Project (VOW) was calling on City officials to expand and improve access to permanent and/or transitional housing for women and children who are forced to leave domestic violence shelters after their 135-day maximum stay.

The news hit the fan as we were informed of the brutal murders of Oscar-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson's Mom, brother, and nephew. Soon there would be reports that these murders were related to domestic violence. Articles spread like wildfire as we also read about Don Cornelius of Soul Train fame being hit with charges of domestic abuse. These events occurred in October which is sadly but widely recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness month.

"My Door", an initiative for domestic violence survivors sponsored by United Way of New York City and the New York City Human Resources Administration, has begun serving clients in the Bronx. My Door provides coordinated transitional and support services to families as they transition out of the city’s domestic violence shelters, to ensure that when they enter permanent housing, they are safe, financially secure and on track for employment.