TAQs

Domestic violence is a leading cause of both survivor homelessness and housing instability. Those experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity are more vulnerable to violence. Survivors need flexible, affordable, and safe housing options to achieve safety and lasting stability. Many survivors turn to their friends, family, and faith leaders for housing support. In collaboration with Jewish Women International, the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) spoke with faith leaders of different identities and backgrounds.

Immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking face unique challenges when accessing and maintaining safe housing. Housing is a primary concern for survivors living with violence because it directly affects their ability to leave an abusive relationship. COVID-19 has exacerbated problems with safe, accessible, and affordable housing as survivors are forced to stay at home – making violence in their homes more frequent and dangerous. For those survivors looking for alternative, safe housing, there is misinformation among housing providers and survivor advocates about immigrant survivors’ eligibility for housing and homeless assistance programs. Here, we clarify some of these misconceptions as well as provide resources and tools with more detailed information supporting advocacy on behalf of immigrant survivors.

The issue of human trafficking has gained tremendous attention over the last two decades. The relatively new “popularity” of this crime has provided needed protections for survivors and resources for victim service providers in the field, however it has also allowed for misconceptions.

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) has, since 1984, provided essential funding to state and local programs across the country that has enabled these programs to offer critical support services to victims of domestic violence.