Regarding Homelessness, Domestic Violence Can Be Both Cause and Effect

A family bedroom at CWS’ Emergency Shelter

The growing number of women experiencing homelessness in the Portland area recently received some well-deserved attention from the Oregonian. In her article, “Our Homeless Crisis: For women, few services and plenty of danger,” Anna Griffin explains that women living on the streets experience increased risks of being targeted by an abuser or being exploited.

In addition to the increased vulnerability to domestic and sexual violence that women face while experiencing homelessness, abuse is also a root cause of homelessness for women. “Abusers in pursuit of power and control limit survivors’ financial options and isolate them from support people, which increases their vulnerability to homelessness if they are to leave the relationship.” Amy Doud, Program Director at Clackamas Women’s Services said.

Survivors’ vulnerability to homelessness is also negatively impacted by rising home prices and a historically tight rental market in the Portland area. “Survivors, even when provided with a voucher or subsidy, are having a lot of trouble finding housing,” Amy Doud told us.

Difficulties stemming from abuse, such as an abuser systematically destroying their partner’s credit history, screen many survivors out of an increasingly selective rental process. This can leave survivors with a terrible choice between returning to abusive relationships and facing homelessness, an issue that Street Roots covered in November. And as survivors find it more difficult to transition into long-term housing, shelter stays lengthen, which affects every aspect of domestic violence services since beds are limited and in extremely high demand.

At Clackamas Women’s Services, our 30-year history of offering wrap-around services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault has provided a clear picture of the direct, two-way connection between homelessness and abuse. We encourage community members to advocate for affordable housing and inclusionary zoning, to sensitively consider the context when encountering people who may be experiencing homelessness, and to support safe shelter spaces and housing resources. Together, we can address the interconnected issues of homelessness and domestic violence.

Clackamas County Resource for those experiencing homelessness or housing crisis: Coordinated Housing Access

Phone: 503-655-8575