As featured in Gothamist, El Diario, Spectrum Noticias NY1, and New York Nonprofit Media, “A Crisis Compounded: The Dual Crises of Domestic Violence and Homelessness” documents the struggles and barriers that domestic violence survivors face when trying to secure affordable housing after escaping from abusive relationships and the long-term impact domestic violence has on survivors and their families. It also highlights the steps New York City and State can take to increase access to housing resources and help move survivors quickly from shelters to permanent homes.
Drawing from a wide range of city and state data, this report emphasizes the sheer number of survivors who are forced into homelessness when escaping abusive situations, showing that domestic violence is one of the leading causes for families entering the shelter system, outpacing even evictions as a driver of homelessness.
In addition to demonstrating the extreme need for additional housing support for domestic violence survivors, this report also outlines a series of recommendations for city and state officials that could significantly ease the housing burden survivors face.
“Every day, we work with survivors of domestic violence who have escaped abusive situations but have nowhere safe to call home. This report shines a light on both the lack of housing resources available to domestic violence survivors and the long-term effect abuse is having on survivors and their children,” said Nicole Branca, executive director of New Destiny Housing. “By adequately funding New York’s supportive housing programs, providing equal access to homeless housing resources, and expanding successful programs, we can effectively end homelessness for the largest segment of homeless families in the City.”