ABSTRACT

Previous research studies have described the connection between domestic violence and homelessness. In fact, there is evidence to suggest that not only are these two social problems correlated, but that domestic violence is among the leading causes of homelessness nationally for women. Reasons for this relationship range from the individual level to the national level, and include mental health consequences related to repeated victimization, social isolation, failure of formal systems to provide services to help-seeking women, lack of coordination between domestic violence and homeless service systems, lack of affordable housing units, and poverty. Solutions will require a paradigm shift from the current practice of compartmentalizing survivors into either women who are victims of domestic violence or who are homeless. Rather, it is critical that we create a more holistic approach that considers women’s simultaneous experiences in order to create a response that supports women as they seek safety and economic stability.