On the run, on their own: helping domestic violence victims
Domestic violence and abuse play a major role in California’s homelessness. For example, women who are unsheltered experience double the frequency of domestic violence, and 46% of non-sheltered and 34% sheltered people say domestic abuse and trauma directly caused their homelessness.
The Weingart Center provides a sanctuary for people on the run from violent relationships. We see the need far too often. The Weingart Center’s Women’s Bridge Housing (WBH) program provides temporary housing with comprehensive services and programs that create a safe space for survivors to process their pain and build a bright new chapter in their lives.
People that experience homelessness and domestic violence face many unique challenges that further complicate their situation. Here are some of the key issues they encounter.
Hazardous housing options
Oftentimes, a lack of affordable housing will force people into the hard choice of having to stay with their abuser or end up on the streets. If they choose to flee, some traditional shelters aren’t safe, and they end up trading one form of abuse for another. They also run the risk of their abuser locating them while they’re staying at a shelter. Lacking safe and stable housing options increases their vulnerability.
Persistent risk of abuse
Abuse is insidious and begins with destroying support networks, which are further strained and broken when people experience homelessness. The absence of a stable home can make it easier for their abuser to track them down. Not only that, there’s a risk of abuse and sexual violence in shelters that don’t offer enough protection.
Struggle for support services
When you are on the run, with kids in tow, taking only what you have on, knowing the available support services might be difficult. There are also many logistical barriers to contend with, like transportation, childcare, and more. These factors limit their ability to find help, gain legal protections, or obtain counseling and advocacy services.
Mental health and trauma
Co-occurring trauma and mental health issues are a persistent reality for victims of domestic violence on the streets. Traumatic events can result in long-term mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This pain is compounded by the stressors of living without housing.
Financial hobbling
Many times, domestic violence survivors are cut off financially. Joint accounts and debit cards become a liability, for example, revealing locations to abusers. Living a life completely reliant on their abuser may have hampered their acquisition of practical job skills and education, creating a gap in their ability to acquire steady employment to break the cycle of homelessness and abuse.
Isolating stigmatization
Misconceptions about those experiencing homelessness can be a major roadblock to finding support within communities. This can further isolate survivors of domestic violence. There’s also the catch-22 of still being housed with your abuser but needing to flee to a safe environment. Being aware of the gradations of need of these survivors is important to helping them survive.
Domestic violence victims experiencing homelessness need a comprehensive approach that fully addresses their unique challenges. Safety is paramount. They need secure and confidential housing options that are designed for survivors. They need trauma-informed support services and strengthened legal protections.
Most importantly, survivors need a connected community nimble and knowledgeable enough to meet their needs at every stage. Homeless service providers, domestic violence organizations, and legal entities need to collaborate for support, information-sharing and help create a pathway to independence for these individuals. Learn more about how you can get involved with the Weingart Center to help turn a life around.
Survivors of domestic violence have multiple stressors that be an unrealistic amount for one person to handle. They can greatly benefit from a community that is able to meet their needs at every step. Homeless service providers, domestic violence organizations, and legal entities need to collaborate, share information, and create a pathway towards independence. The Weingart Center provides a holistic range of services that meets survivors where they are to get them to where they need. Learn about how you can get involved.
