Patrick Leahy: “The connection between domestic violence, economic abuse, and housing is overwhelming. Women and children who are…”

“The connection between domestic violence, economic abuse, and housing is overwhelming. Women and children who are fleeing domestic violence make up a significant portion of the homeless population. According to the United States Conference of Mayors, 57 percent of cities surveyed identified domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness. These women and children are homeless because in their desperate attempt to leave their abusers they find themselves with few, if any, funds with which they can support themselves. Victims of domestic violence have a tough time finding room at emergency homeless or domestic violence shelters, and often fail to find adequate housing because affordable, long-term housing is not available in so many communities. If housing is available there are often long waiting lists. Victims face unique causes of their financial hardships due to the fact that batterers frequently harass their victims at work, and survivors are often fired or cannot maintain steady employment resulting in losing the ability to pay for housing. Faced with the lack of stable housing, finances and services, victims must choose between life with an abusive partner and life on the streets. Our amendment would provide leniency for women and children who are affected by domestic violence and would, in fact, help victims to move forward and start new lives.”