New domestic violence shelter opens

On Monday local politicians and community advocates celebrated the opening of Artemis House Region 1, a domestic violence shelter located in the Richmond Highway area.

The shelter is the third of its kind in Fairfax County. In order to protect the privacy and safety of those who use the shelters, their locations are not publicly listed.

Among the attendees at the event were Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, County Executive Bryan Hill and Sheriff Stacey Kincaid.

Storck said in a press release that the need for a shelter in the highway area was something he became aware of soon after taking office in 2016. He credited the work of three advocates for helping make the vision for a new shelter become a reality.

“I recruited three strong women, Mattie Palmore, Lisa Sales and Karen Stone, to spearhead getting a new shelter here,” Storck said. “They were fierce advocates, calling themselves the ‘three musketeers’ and working tirelessly with County staff to get our new area shelter opened.”

Palmore and Sales are each members of the Fairfax County Commission for Women.

Artemis House accepts men, women, people who identify as transgender and children. Adults and children staying at Artemis House have access to case management services and counseling. Residents also receive
transportation assistance and emergency food and clothing if needed.

“For far too long, Fairfax County has been limited in helping those escape from horrible domestic situations,” McKay said in the release. “A second domestic violence shelter in South County falls right in line with Fairfax County’s One Fairfax policy and initiatives; it means that a family will no longer be faced with barriers (such as traveling) in escaping difficult situations and beginning a new life.”