NCJ Number
226948
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 460-481
Date Published
April 2009
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This study examined the current state of transitional housing programs (THPs) for survivors of intimate partner violence in the United States, and discussed future program considerations.
Abstract
Ultimately, one of the main goals in providing women with access to transitional housing is to increase their ability to live safely and achieve economic stability. Currently, in addition to actual housing, THPs offer many services for women to accomplish these goals. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2005, focusing on safe and independent housing for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), was an attempt to increase access to housing for more women and to bring agencies with diverse perspectives together to reduce the impacts associated with the intersection of domestic violence and homelessness. THPs for domestic violence survivors offer women more stability by allowing them to stay for a longer period of time, typically 1 to 2 years. Most programs offer services such as counseling, job search programs, and case management, with some services mandated. Although there are many benefits to THPs, there are also criticisms of these programs. One criticism is that THPs often require that women sever ties with their husbands or partners. This study provides a snapshot of existing THPs and their characteristics before the implementation of VAWA 2005, which is a useful reference from which to examine potential programmatic changes resulting from VAWA 2005 statutes. Tables and references