Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is the immediate cause of homelessness for many women. Research studies reveal that domestic violence is one of the most frequently stated causes of homelessness for families, with 13 percent of homeless families saying that they had left their last place of residence because of abuse or violence in the household.

Domestic violence victims have both short- and long-term housing needs that must be met so that they do not need to choose between staying with their abuser and sleeping on the street. Immediately, domestic violence victims need a safe place to stay. Ultimately, domestic violence victims need safe, stable, affordable housing. A general supply of affordable housing is crucial to this population so that they can afford to leave the shelter system as quickly as possible without returning to their abuser.

POLICY FOCUS AREAS

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Volunteers of America's Home Free: Rapid Re-Housing for Survivors of Domestic Violence

This best practice document profiles Home Free, a domestic violence survivor service agency in Portland, OR that provides an array of services for families impacted by violence. Currently, the program provides rapid re-housing assistance to 80 to 100 households annually. Read More >

Fact Sheet: Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is an immediate cause of homelessness for many women and children. In November 2006, over 22,000 victims of domestic violence—12,000 children and 10,000 adults—received housing services from 1,243 domestic violence service providers. Read More >