Domestic Violence and Housing Problems

Abstract

This study examined housing problems and homelessness after separation in a sample of 110 women who had experienced domestic violence. Of the sample, 38% reported homelessness. Similar percentages reported housing problems (e.g., late paying rent, skipping meals, threatened with eviction). Predictors of more housing problems included experiencing a greater severity of violence, contacting fewer formal systems, having less informational support, and receiving a negative response from welfare. Women's odds of reporting homelessness were reduced by 30% if police officers responded positively. These findings highlight the importance of changing system responses in an effort to reduce women's housing problems and risks for homelessness after separation.