Domestic violence is a major cause of homelessness for women and their children in the United States. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, between 22 and 57 percent of women and children are homeless due to domestic violence, and 38 percent of all victims become homeless at some point in their lives due to domestic violence. Victims who have had to abandon their abusive partner multiple times because of domestic violence often become homeless multiple times. When a victim of domestic violence decides to leave their abusive partner, safe and affordable housing is one of the main barriers they will face for themselves and their children.
For more than 33 years, the Antelope Valley Council Against Domestic Violence, now known as Valley Oasis, has been devoted to advocating for the injured, needy, and politically underrepresented members of Antelope Valley. There are currently 15 domestic violence and abuse shelters and programs in Los Angeles County, California, of which 7 offer a hotline and 12 offer emergency shelters. As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to an end, it is important to recognize the significance of transitional housing and comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to help survivors of domestic violence 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Valley Oasis is a community-based organization that is committed to eliminating social and domestic violence and homelessness through community awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter, and support services.
In addition to the resources available in Los Angeles County, there are also 39 shelters and programs against domestic violence and abuse located in nearby cities such as Glendale, Pasadena, and North Hollywood. Peace Over Violence is a nonprofit organization that works towards building healthy relationships, families, and communities free from sexual, domestic, and interpersonal violence. The Transitional Housing Program supports projects that provide transitional housing for 6 to 24 months with supportive services for victims who are homeless or who need transitional housing due to domestic violence. Eligible beneficiaries are states, local government units, indigenous tribes, and other organizations with a documented history of working effectively in relation to domestic violence. The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) currently manages 19 grant programs authorized by the Violence Against Women Act. For survivors of domestic violence living in Los Angeles County who are looking for housing after leaving a shelter, there are several resources available.
Valley Oasis provides emergency shelter services as well as transitional housing programs for those who need it. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can provide information on local resources such as shelters or transitional housing programs. Additionally, Peace Over Violence offers support services such as counseling or legal assistance. Finally, the Office on Violence Against Women provides grants for organizations that provide transitional housing for victims of domestic violence.Finding safe and affordable housing after leaving a domestic violence shelter can be difficult for survivors of domestic violence.
However, there are many resources available in Los Angeles County that can help survivors find the support they need. Valley Oasis provides emergency shelter services as well as transitional housing programs. Peace Over Violence offers support services such as counseling or legal assistance. Finally, the Office on Violence Against Women provides grants for organizations that provide transitional housing for victims of domestic violence.
With these resources available in Los Angeles County, survivors of domestic violence can find the support they need to find safe and affordable housing.
