Domestic Violence and Homelessness

Homelessness is an epidemic.  Many outsiders believe it is a self-induced condition.  While some individuals do actively contribute to their homelessness, many find themselves at this end due to domestic violence.  While this piece focuses primarily on women, men also end up homeless as a result of domestic violence.

In recent studies, it has been found that in most states, over 50% of women are victims of domestic violence.  This high number is due to many women fleeing their abuser and having nowhere else to go.  Many times, women are cut off from their families and friends by their abuser, and don’t feel comfortable reaching out to those people in their times of need.  Many women leave their abusers only to be turned away by the most basic of social necessities.  These victims lack credit scores, bank accounts, rental references, and even steady income.  Without these resources in place, women find themselves unable to secure housing and other resources.  Many times, when faced with these consequences, women will return to their abuser.

Housing discrimination is a major problem or homeless individuals and survivors of domestic violence.  Many landlords adopt a “Zero Crime Tolerance” policy which evicts tenants when crime is committed in the home, regardless of whether they are the perpetrator or the victim of the crime.  Some landlords refuse to rent to victims of domestic violence.  In 2005, a fair housing group in New York City discovered that 28% of landlords either reused to rent to a victim of domestic violence or refused to return calls to an investigator posing as a housing coordinator for a domestic violence survivor program.   When faced with these hurdles, many women refuse to seek out protection from the courts.

While domestic violence is evident in every demographic, poor women suffer domestic violence more often than financially affluent women.  Women in severe poverty (Income of $7,500 or less) suffer from domestic violence seven times as often as those with incomes of above $75,000.  Women who live in a rental home or apartment suffer domestic violence three times as often as women who own their own homes.  Living in a poor neighborhood can also increase the chances of domestic violence.  Women living in a financially stressed relationship, living in a poor neighborhood are twice as likely to experience domestic violence as women in a financially stressed relationship living in an affluent neighborhood.

Safe, affordable housing is a key factor in eliminating domestic violence.  Many organizations have stepped up to assist women leaving domestic violence.  If you or someone you know is struggling to leave an abusive situation, offer a few resources:

Domestic Violence Hotline: If you need help immediately, please call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

National Dating Abuse Helpline If you need help and are in trouble, please call the helpline at 1-866-331-9474.

National Network to End Domestic Violence

Family Violence Resources from Department of Health and Human Services

Runaway and Homeless Youth and Relationship Violence Toolkit

Megan Wilson is a blogger, and stay at home mom.  She is a freelance writer who is passionate about 211 software and its benefits.

Resources:

http://www.montanalawhelp.org/files/0ED0131F-1EC9-4FC4-652E-FC8C4E92C777/attachments/ECE774E4-FB0F-575A-52AF-7094198209C4/381371factsheet_homelessness_2008.pdf

http://www.usich.gov/media_center/in_focus/domestic_violence_and_homelessness/

http://www.nlchp.org/content/pubs/Some%20Facts%20on%20Homeless%20and%20DV.pdf

http://www.endhomelessness.org/section/issues/domestic_violence