Homelessness Among Abuse Survivors: A Deepening Crisis
Written by Emily Arismendy
Homelessness in America is a multifaceted crisis, often stemming from an array of complex factors. Among these, the distressing experiences of abuse survivors stand out. Research highlights a strong correlation between experiences of abuse—particularly sexual and domestic violence—and homelessness. Survivors of abuse often find themselves in a precarious position, not only facing the trauma of their experiences but also dealing with significant obstacles when it comes to housing stability. Recent legal developments have added complexity to an already challenging situation.
On June 28, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision that has far-reaching implications for the homeless population, many of whom are survivors of abuse. In a 6-3 ruling, the Court determined that cities could legally prohibit people from sleeping and camping in public spaces, overturning lower court rulings that deemed such bans as cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment when no alternative shelter is available.
The Correlation Between Abuse and Homelessness
Survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse are disproportionately represented in the homeless population. Statistics reveal a stark reality: 38% of all domestic violence victims become homeless at some point in their lifetime, and more than 90% of homeless women have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Additionally, one quarter of homeless children have witnessed violence, and 70% of mothers in homeless families reported being physically assaulted by a family member or someone they knew. These figures illuminate a troubling pattern: abuse is a significant driver of housing instability. Survivors face numerous obstacles both in securing housing and maintaining a safe living environment. These challenges are often exacerbated by factors such as race, immigration status, and English language proficiency.
Makani, a survivor and former client at SAFE, shared her story of fleeing from an abusive relationship and becoming unhoused for a period of time with her 2-year-old daughter. “I ended up in a tent for 6 months while I was on the waiting list, because I mean the housing crisis is unreal,” Makani explained.
The link between children in the foster care system and homelessness is another deeply troubling issue. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of foster youth experience homelessness within 18 months of aging out of the system. This high risk highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support and preventative measures to ensure that these at-risk children have stable housing.
Barriers to Housing for Abuse Survivors
Survivors of domestic violence face a range of barriers that hinder their ability to find and keep stable housing. Economic dependence is a significant issue; abusers often make survivors economically dependent, controlling their finances and limiting their access to resources. This economic manipulation leaves survivors with little to no financial stability when they attempt to leave abusive situations. Furthermore, many survivors have gaps in employment, poor credit scores, or negative rental histories due to their abuser’s actions, making it exceedingly difficult to secure housing.
Legal and systemic barriers, such as lack of affordable housing, discriminatory practices, and insufficient support services, further complicate the housing search for survivors. These barriers not only affect the survivors themselves but also have a pervasive impact on their children and families. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among children in the United States, creating a cycle of instability and trauma.
“Probably child-proofing a tent, yeah, that was my low point, I think,” Makani shared.
Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for homeless individuals, particularly abuse survivors. The ruling could lead to increased policing and criminalization of homelessness, making survivors who are already vulnerable to violence even more at risk. With public spaces no longer an option for sleeping or camping, many survivors may find themselves with even fewer safe places to turn to. Homeless shelters and service providers, which are often already at capacity, may face additional pressure to accommodate more people without a corresponding increase in resources.
“Sleep is a biological necessity, not a crime,” Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent of the ruling, joined by Justices Elena Kagan and Ketanji Brown Jackson. “For some people, sleeping outside is their only option.”
SAFE’s Housing Projects
At SAFE, our mission is to support survivors of abuse, particularly those struggling to find safe housing. Housing remains our most requested service, and like most shelters, SAFE consistently has a waiting list. Our waitlist can consist of 100 people at any given time. Although, on average SAFE provides shelter and housing to approximately 1,000 survivors and their children on any given day, this is still insufficient to meet the overwhelming need and demand. In response to this desperate need for housing, SAFE has diligently requested funding and support to address this critical issue. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and services to help individuals and families rebuild their lives. Our commitment is reflected in several vital housing projects designed to offer both immediate respite and long-term stability.
One such project is The Sasha, a multi-family development comprised of 60 units with permanent and transitional supportive housing on the SAFE Grove Campus. This project is instrumental in addressing and ending multigenerational cycles of violence and abuse. Similarly, The Lancaster is a 60-unit complex that provides shelter for people experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Additionally, the City of Austin has contracted SAFE to operate a recently purchased hotel currently undergoing renovations to accommodate 42 units, further expanding our capacity to offer safe housing options.
At SAFE, we are also committed to supporting children in the foster care system who are in need of stable housing. We provide assistance through programs like Foster and Adopt in Austin, Supervised Independent Living, Peer Support, and SAFE Futures. Additionally, we focus on prevention through our Strong Start program. Our goal is to keep children out of the foster care system whenever possible, and if they do enter the system, to ensure their experience is rare, brief, and non-recurring.
Through these initiatives, SAFE continues to strive towards a future where every survivor has access to the support and safe housing they need to thrive. Addressing the intersection of abuse and homelessness requires a concerted effort, and SAFE is committed to being at the forefront of this crucial work. At SAFE, we recognize that we face numerous challenges, including legal limitations and capacity constraints, when it comes to receiving and housing clients. Despite these obstacles, we are committed to working tirelessly to support as many survivors as possible. Our dedicated staff strives to ensure that every individual receives the services and assistance they need to rebuild their lives and achieve stability.
Makani recalled how she felt when she finally received housing at SAFE, “There were gates that kept me protected. It was the first time I really felt safe, and I think that rings true for a lot of other survivors that have lived a life of trauma.”
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The intersection of abuse and homelessness is a critical issue that demands comprehensive solutions. The recent Supreme Court ruling adds a new layer of complexity, potentially exacerbating the challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach, including increased funding for shelters, more affordable housing options, and systemic reforms to support survivors in rebuilding their lives. Only through such concerted efforts can we hope to break the cycle of abuse and homelessness that affects so many individuals and families across the United States.
