Housing as a Protective Factor Against Violence
Domestic violence shelters are designed to help survivors leave abusive homes. They are important because it is hard to find housing when leaving an abusive situation. Also, survivors might face discrimination or unaffordable housing costs. Emergency shelters should have:
- Adequate space to meet community needs
- Easy access to care and services
- Culturally competent, trauma-informed counseling and social support[]
However, space in shelters can be limited or unavailable. This is due to inadequate funding and other barriers.[] Laws can help survivors of domestic violence. For example, Massachusetts law allows renters to end a rental agreement if they experience domestic violence, rape, sexual assault, or stalking or if they are in danger of being physically harmed.[] Providing flexible funding [] can also help people recover from domestic violence. Flexible funding can improve the behaviors, safety, and stability of caregivers and children.[] These and other programs often need to address trauma and to help survivors move forward.
[VH17] Yakubovich, A. R., Bartsch, A., Metheny, N., Gesink, D., & O’Campo, P. (2022). Housing interventions for women experiencing intimate partner violence: A systematic review. The Lancet Public Health, 7(1), e23–e35. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(21)00234-6/fulltext
[VH22] Gezinski, L. B., & Gonzalez-Pons, K. M. (2019). Unlocking the door to safety and stability: Housing barriers for survivors of intimate partner violence. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 36(17-18), 8338–8357. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886260519851792
[VH29] Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 24. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartII/TitleI/Chapter186/Section24
[VH30] Bomsta, H., & Sullivan, C. M. (2018). IPV survivors’ perceptions of how a flexible funding housing intervention impacted their children. Journal of Family Violence, 33(6), 371–380. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-018-9972-5
[VH46] People can use flexible funding in whatever ways helps them most (e.g., rent, car repair, education).