Domestic Violence: When There’s Nowhere to Go

A population I’ve been addressing in the recent months are homeless single mothers, or single moms at-risk of being homeless just by the challenges they may be up against. For many women, ending up on the streets is a result of mental health, lack of education or income, or addiction. But for others, being homeless is actually a sign of courage. These are women for whom it is better to face a life alone in the elements, than the dangers at home. I’m talking about domestic violence victims.

As I continue delving into this issue and vetting new approaches to best serve homeless and at-risk mothers, I share a look at a reality many people might not be aware of: The fact that violence against women is a leading cause of homelessness.

A look at the numbers

According to the National Law Center on Homeless & Poverty:

• One in four homeless women became homeless after experiencing violence.
• In 2012, 28% of cities cited domestic violence as a leading cause of homelessness among families with children.
• Half of all homeless women and children experienced physical violence, and 92% of homeless mothers reported experiencing physical or sexual assault.

For these women, finding safety with friends and family is not an option. Still, they have the courage to leave abusive situations and seek new lives for themselves and their children — even if that means facing new dangers on the streets.

Compounding issues

Many single moms face economic challenges that can put them at risk of losing their homes. We know that 4.24 million single mothers live below the poverty line compared to 404,000 single fathers. And, only 39% of single moms receive child support from their children’s fathers. Further, in 2010, over 75% of homeless families in the U.S. were headed by single women with children.

These statistics are troubling on their own. But they are even worse when we consider them in relationship to what we know about domestic violence.

The National Law Center reports that single women with children are 13 times more likely to experience domestic violence than married women with children, and seven times more likely than single women without children. And, women from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds are twice as likely to experience domestic violence than women from more advantaged backgrounds.

Simply put: If you’re a single mom, you’re more apt to be poor than a single man. If you’re a single mom with kids, you’re more likely than a married mom to be a victim of domestic violence than a married mom. And if you’re a poor, the odds are stacked against you even higher.

There are resources available like these outlined by Kid Savers Network. Still, there is a growing and significant need. The Law Center reported that in 2012, survivors of domestic violence made 10,471 unmet requests for services including emergency shelter, housing, and legal representation, and 65% of these unmet requests were for housing.

I share this information not to list numbers and cite statistics, but to lend a perspective that perhaps can improve the lives of homeless women and how they are perceived. Indeed, every homeless woman has a story, and in most cases, there is more to her situation than meets the eye.

We all, as a society, can bear in mind these numbers and figures and know that for some women, alone and on their streets with their children by their side, is the best they can do right now. Having understanding and compassion can make their worlds and ours better all around.