Coordinated Community Response Column

Domestic violence is the act or threat of violence – verbal, physical, sexual or emotional – by one partner or family member toward the other. It is estimated that one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, while more than three million children witness domestic violence in the United States each year.

People who experience domestic violence face numerous obstacles when attempting to leave an abuser; one such obstacle is homelessness.

According to The Wisconsin Governor’s Council on Domestic Violence and End Abuse Wisconsin’s long range plan “Vision. Hope. Safety,” domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness, particularly among women. This can be attributed to the power and control dynamics abusers use. Often abusers will isolate victims from friends or family, leaving them with no one to turn to when they are ready to leave. Financial control is another way abusers will exert power over victims. They may not allow victims to get a job, or they might take their money and not allow them access to it.

Making the decision to leave an abuser is difficult, especially when facing homelessness. However, there are resources within the community that offer assistance.

HELP of Door County, Inc. provides safe homes for victims of domestic violence, as well as advocacy and supportive services.

Housing Authority offers rental assistance to many throughout Door County.

Lakeshore CAP offers a variety of programs focused on protecting youth, skills training, promoting entrepreneurship, and assisting with food and shelter.

The McKinney Vento Act requires schools to provide educational services and opportunities to youth experiencing homelessness, as well as assistance with transportation and food.

We Are HOPE, Inc. supports individuals with finding and obtaining a job. They also provide assistance for energy and heating costs.

This article is brought to you in part by the Door County Coordinated Community Response (CCR) to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Teams and the Door County Elder and Adult-at-Risk Interdisciplinary Team.