Transit Travel Training for Domestic Abuse Survivors in Loudoun County Offers Independence & Job Access

Reston, VA – September 10, 2025 –A local public-private partnership is providing transit travel training and a free $50 SmarTrip card to domestic abuse survivors in Loudoun County. DATA conceived the project after studies have shown that transit travel training and access to transportation help domestic abuse survivors by improving their ability to escape abuse, access support services, and develop self-sufficiency.

This initiative is made possible through a cooperative partnership between LAWS and the Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA) and is funded by a generous discretionary grant from the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation (CMCF).

DATA found both proof of concept and inspiration after the Northeast Illinois Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) provided transit passes to domestic abuse survivors in 2023. RTA then reported that user surveys showed,

“Survivors have used their transit passes to get to medical appointments, court appearances, support groups, and other services related to the abuse they’ve experienced. They also use the passes for daily needs like buying groceries, taking their kids to school, accessing job interviews, and getting to work— which is key to maintaining separation from their abusers.” RTA added that, “Access to transit also fosters stability for families going through a destabilizing time.”

DATA chose a train-the-trainer model for this project and delivered detailed transportation training to LAWS counselors at their Leesburg, VA office. Instruction covered fare cards, routes, and safety on buses and the Metrorail system. LAWS counselors can now share this valuable transit usage knowledge with survivors they help. DATA’s Director of Programs Terri Lamb explained, “The Train the Trainer model allows us to convey important travel knowledge to survivors, helping them become independent and active members of the community while respecting their concern for privacy and safety at this vulnerable time in their life.”

The instruction includes specific directions to Dulles International Airport which have many job openings available. Additionally, DATA has connected LAWS case managers with many Dulles Airport-based company hiring managers. LAWS staff and clients were also encouraged to attend the September 10, 2025, Dulles International Airport Job & Career Fair held in the airport’s main terminal.

LAWS Chief Executive Officer Samantha Clarke believes, “Independence is a critical part of healing after abuse. Thanks to the support of DATA and the Claude Moore Community Foundation, survivors will now have the tools and confidence to travel safely to jobs, school, medical care, and community resources, helping them rebuild their lives on their own terms.”

CMCF Board Member Guy Gravett added, “Claude Moore was happy to fund this initiative to help get survivors back on their feet. Domestic violence does profound damage to a person’s ability to self-care. We hope this transportation training and stipend will empower survivors to regain some autonomy and the ability to improve their economic situation and general wellbeing.”

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The Dulles Area Transport Association (DATA) is a nonprofit public-private- partnership between business, the public sector, and the community in the greater Dulles area. DATA considers mobility a basic human right and is committed to working to ensure that all our residents not only have access to transportation but are respected and treated with dignity.

The Claude Moore Charitable Foundation is a private Virginia philanthropy established in 1987 by Dr. Claude Moore who grew up in poverty. Through hard work and frugality, he became a successful physician and landowner. Dr. Moore firmly believed in providing a “leg up, not a handout.” The Foundation strives to implement this philosophy in its giving decisions. In the past 35 years, The Foundation has provided more than $115 million in grants to hundreds of non-profits.

LAWS Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, provides essential support for more than 1,000 victims of domestic and sexual violence in Loudoun County each year through free and confidential services like emergency shelter, therapy, legal aid, advocacy, support groups, and community outreach. LAWS’ Community Services Center, thrift store (The Resourceful Woman), and the Loudoun Child Advocacy Center collectively deliver vital resources for safety, hope, and empowerment. A professional team of staff, volunteers, and community leaders ensures every victim has access to transformative help—at no cost.