Domestic Violence and Homelessness

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Domestic Violence and Homelessness

More than one in three women and one and five men in the United States experience domestic violence within their life, leading it to be the number one cause of homelessness among women. Research also shows that 28% of homeless families in 2008 were experiencing housing instability because of domestic violence, with 39% of cities citing it as the primary cause of family homelessness. Along with this housing instability comes a number of adverse outcomes for mental and phsycial well being, as homelessness itself is a risk factor for violence. As stated by the Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence “According to a study of people experiencing homelessness, 32% of women, 27% of men, and 38% of people who are transgender reported either physical or sexual violence in the previous year. Youth can be particularly vulnerable to domestic and sexual violence while experiencing homelessness, with 70% of homeless youth reporting experiencing some form of violence, 32% of which included rape”

Helping survivors of domestic violence facing homelessness often comes in the form of three stages; emergency shelter, transtional housing and finally permanent housing. Emergency shelters are especially important, as unlike many homeless shelters, they provide specialized care and advocacy for victims, as well as a confidential location. These shelters provide extremely valuable resources for survivors, but the demand is considerably higher than the current supply of shelters. In 2015, 10,196 requests for shelter made by adult survivors in Oregon could not be met (Oregon DHS, 2016) Long term care is usally not available at these shelters, as the typical stay of 30-60 days is much less time than is usually needed to find transitional or permanent housing. This lack of supply in regard to the demand puts many survivors, especially young people, at considerable risk.

Below I’ve attatched a number of organizations that specialize in sheltering and advocating for victims of domestic violence, as listed by the Oregon Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence. Hopefully we can bring attention and support to these organizations in fullfilling the needs of those at risk or in need of help, as there is much work to be done to make life safer for survivors of domestic abuse and homelessness.

• Call to Safety

https://calltosafety.org

• Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Domestic Violence Program

https://www.grandronde.org/services/social-services/domestic-and-sexual-violence-prevention/

• Gateway Center for Domestic Violence Services

https://multco.us/dv/gateway-center-domestic-violence-services

• HAVEN From Domestic and Sexual Violence

https://haventhedalles.org

• Multnomah County Domestic Violence Coordination Office

https://multco.us/fvcc

• NAYA Family Center

https://nayapdx.org